QPR Suicide Prevention Training Courses

The course targets adults, but includes the QPRT-Pediatric version of the assessment protocol, developed by a child psychologist and widely tested. Suicide risk detection, assessment, and management are key elements in the protection of patient safety. Such training has been recommended by both the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and the Institute of Medicine. This training is appropriate for all settings and for patients across the age span.

Please note that this is not a course on the treatment of suicidal behaviors, but a course on assessment and management only. If you are interested in counseling and treatment issues, the course "Counseling Suicidal People" is a better choice.

NOTE

Due to rapid developments in the delivery of clinical services in non-traditional settings, this course is designed for those who work face-to-face as well as those who may be delivering behavioral health services online, by telephone, or SKYPE. Thus, practice challenges, terminology, and interactive examples cover all channels of communication. Also, given the rapid adoption of electronic medical records, the QPRT interview protocol (for inclusion in medical records) is available in flexible electronic and hard-copy formats.

Participants earning a certificate should be able to:

• Cite clinical risk information to assess suicidal persons and the current limitations in suicide risk assessment
• Describe the current challenges in suicide risk assessment
• Cite clinically relevant evidence-based facts associated with suicidal behavior
• Name three reasons why suicide risk often goes undetected in clinical settings
• Describe the rationale for the QPRT Suicide Risk Management Inventory©
• Define the seven QPRT protocol stem questions and the reasons each is asked
• Conduct and document a comprehensive suicide risk assessment interview using the QPRT interview protocol
• Establish and document a collaborative patient safety and shared risk management plan in a concise and competent manner
• Describe when and why reassessment of suicide risk is indicated
• Know what to say, what questions to ask, what the answers to your questions mean, and how these answers will determine what needs to be done to prevent a suicide attempt and/or establish a risk monitoring plan
• Estimate the level of acute suicide risk using a registered best practice methodology
• Understand common terms and communicate effectively about suicide risk with other clinicians
• Immediately reduce the acute distress, despair, and hopelessness of suicidal persons through an empathic, understanding interview in which protective factors can be brought into play to create a safety and survival plan and reduce the risk of a suicide attempt
  • Describe the US National Strategy for Suicide Prevention and the major resource and training organizations in suicide prevention in America. If from another country, the learner should be able to describe national and regional suicide prevention efforts in his or her own country.
  • Understand suicide as a major public health problem
  • Describe the relationship of untreated mental illnesses and substance abuse to increased suicide risk
  • Understand means restriction and how to immediately reduce risk
  • Recognize and identify at least five risk factors for suicide
  • Recognize and identify at least five protective factors against suicide
  • Understand the nature of suicide and describe relevant research
  • Describe groups at high risk for suicide
  • Recognize suicide warning signs
  • Pass a nationally standardized exam on suicide risk assessment and management