Suicide risk assessment and intervention strategies: Current practices among drug and alcohol treatment providers

NDARC Staff

Joanne Ross, Shane Darke, Erin Kelly & Kate Hetherington

Aims

1. To examine existing suicide risk assessment and intervention strategies used by drug and alcohol treatment providers, in order to document and understand current practice in residential rehabilitation services.
2. To identify additional or under-utilised opportunities for intervention.
3. If appropriate, to outline the core components of a potential suicide risk assessment tool for drug and alcohol workers.

Design and Method

This study employs a cross-sectional design. A semi-structured questionnaire is being used to interview treatment agency staff responsible for the case management of drug and alcohol clients about their current suicide risk assessment practices. The questionnaire examines the frequency and extent of current screening practices, barriers to conducting suicide assessments, perceived needs in terms of assessment tools, and knowledge of suicide risk factors. The Clinical Managers of these services are also being asked about current policies and procedures relating to suicide risk assessment. All generalist residential rehabilitation services across Australia (N=73) are being invited to participate.

Progress

Questionnaires for the study have been designed and ethics clearance obtained. Interviewing is well underway, and is expected to be complete by the end of September.

Funding

Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing