Name
#126 Qualitative Evaluation of Suicide Prevention Course Implemented in the USCG: Results from focus groups of USCG members and affiliates
Speakers
Content Presented on Behalf of
Uniformed Services University
Services/Agencies represented
US Coast Guard, Uniformed Services University (USU), Other/Not Listed
Session Type
Posters
Room#/Location
Prince Georges Exhibit Hall A/B
Focus Areas/Topics
Behavioral and Mental Health, Policy/Management/Administrative
Learning Outcomes
1. Following this session, the attendee will be able to discuss the perspective of USCG members’ and affiliates’ experience and desires for gatekeeper training implementation.
2. Following this session, the attendee will be able to better conceptualize the significance of gatekeeper training application to a specific community of interest.
3. Following this session, the attendee will be able to gain knowledge in the value of qualitative inquiries in understanding depth of personal experience and direct links to program improvement.
2. Following this session, the attendee will be able to better conceptualize the significance of gatekeeper training application to a specific community of interest.
3. Following this session, the attendee will be able to gain knowledge in the value of qualitative inquiries in understanding depth of personal experience and direct links to program improvement.
Session Currently Live
Description
Abstract:
Objective: To evaluate the extent to which the SafeTALK suicide prevention training was effective in the perspectives of Coast Guard members and affiliates who had taken the course, in terms of applicability, skill utilization, training retention, and other course features.
Methods: This project served as an addition to a larger project in which the latter was a quantitative analysis on the effects of trainer mentorship on participant likelihood to retain and apply the skills learned in LivingWorks’ SafeTALK suicide prevention training course. This project took on a more qualitative approach, and aimed to evaluate the participants' experiences with SafeTALK. Virtual focus groups were conducted on USCG members and affiliates from both the East (n = 22) and West (n = 10) coasts. Participants ranged in age, rank, geographical location, as well as the times at which they took the SafeTALK training. All participants were asked a series of six open-ended questions based on their experiences with SafeTALK. All focus groups were conducted and recorded through the Google Meets platform, and the NVivo software was used to conduct thematic analysis of the participants’ responses.
Results: The thematic content analysis revealed that participants’ opinions were slightly mixed, but most agreed that the training was beneficial in teaching them new skills and is applicable to the USCG and its mission. Additionally, participants commented on the importance of the training in addressing stigma towards help-seeking and the attributes of a good trainer. The skills developed from the training were broadly remembered, but focus group participants also noted the benefits of implementing a potential refresher course.
Conclusions: SafeTALK aims to teach important skills regarding recognition of signs of suicidal ideation in peers and how to address these signs. However, in order to effectively implement a suicide prevention training course within a community, it is crucial to hear from participants of the course to ensure that the program is both effective and culturally relevant. This qualitative evaluation confirmed SafeTALK skills were thought to be useful within the realm of the USCG environment. These results may inform future interventions and provide suggestions for areas of improvement and course development.