Suicide prevention training is set to be delivered to more general practice staff following the success of workshops across WA.
In May and June this year, the WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA) delivered free suicide prevention workshops for general practice staff in targeted regional and metropolitan areas.
Almost all of the 93 staff who attended the workshops in Armadale, Bunbury, Esperance, Kalgoorlie, Manjimup and Midland felt they had a medium to high ability to identify and communicate appropriately with a person experiencing suicidal thoughts after receiving the training.
“I found it all to be of benefit, especially the language and words to use, avenues of referral and scope of organisations,” one professional who received the training said.
Another added: “I truly don’t think people are aware of how serious this is in the community. People need to know how to look for signs, how to communicate, where to find help and pass this on.
“I feel this is not just a course for medical staff but for everyone in today’s society.”
The workshops were delivered by Wesley LifeForce, a community-led suicide prevention, intervention and postvention organisation, and informed by the alliance’s Suicide Prevention Strategy.
Following the workshops:
- 98% of attendees rated themselves as medium or high ability to identify that a person is emotionally unwell and may be having suicidal thoughts.
- 100% rated themselves as medium or high ability to communicate appropriately with a person having suicidal thoughts.
- 98% rated their knowledge and understanding of factors contributing to suicide in Australia as medium or high.
- 98% said that they would recommend the workshops to other practice staff.
In 2023, some 3,214 Australian’s died by suicide, the 16th leading cause of death across the county.
Indigenous Australians die by suicide at a rate twice higher than the non-Indigenous. Suicide was the second leading cause of death for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and eighth for women in 2023.
More than seven million Australian adults are close to someone who has died by suicide or attempted suicide.
WAPHA executive general manager of commissioned services Mark Cockayne said GPs were the health professionals accessed most often by those experiencing mental health issues or engaging in suicidal behaviour.
“They have reported that depression and anxiety are two of the most common health issues they manage, and depression is highly correlated with suicidal behaviour,” he said.
“Often the first point of contact for patients when they visit a practice, this training was designed to equip practice staff including receptionists, practice managers and practice nurses with the skills and confidence they need to recognise and respond to patients who may be experiencing mental health issues or suicidal behaviour.”
The alliance’s suicide prevention team is now planning to expand the training further.
In the meantime, more information, resources and training for GPs, practice staff, primary mental health care professionals and community members is available on the WAPHA website.
https://www.wapha.org.au/about-us/our-priorities/mental-health/suicide-prevention/.