Year: 2021 Source: ResearchGate.net. (2021). DOI:10.13140/RG.2.2.25948.72324 SIEC No: 20210395

Objective: Research has identified the presence of a general decline in suicide prevention gatekeeper training outcomes over time. The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the residual effectiveness of ‘SafeTALK’ suicide prevention gatekeeper training in a general community sample one year after training.
Method: 262 community members participated in half-day (4-hour) gatekeeper training sessions. Surveys were taken pre- and post- training, and at 6- and 12-month follow-up timepoints to evaluate participants’ knowledge, gatekeeper efficacy, and reluctance to intervene as a suicide prevention gatekeeper.
Results: Results from this study showed no significant differences on all outcomes at 6- and 12-months following training. Results from this longitudinal analysis show that positive effects of gatekeeper training are sustained between 6- and 12-months posttraining, with outcomes plateauing with time.
Conclusions: Gatekeeper training provides general community members with improved knowledge and efficacy to perform the gatekeeper role up to a year after training. The plateau in outcomes observed between 6- and 12-months following training indicates the long-term preservation of positive gatekeeper training outcomes from SafeTALK may extend beyond a year. Evidence indicates community suicide prevention programs can achieve long-term benefits from the inclusion of gatekeeper training programs.