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Open Access 01-12-2022 | Suicide | Study protocol

Study protocol for the Multimodal Approach to Preventing Suicide in Schools (MAPSS) project: a regionally based randomised trial of an integrated response to suicide risk among secondary school students

Authors: Sadhbh J. Byrne, Eleanor Bailey, Michelle Lamblin, Samuel McKay, Jane Pirkis, Cathrine Mihalopoulos, Matthew J. Spittal, Simon Rice, Sarah Hetrick, Matthew Hamilton, Hok Pan Yuen, Yong Yi Lee, Alexandra Boland, Jo Robinson

Published in: Trials | Issue 1/2022

Abstract

Background

Suicide is the leading cause of death among young Australians, accounting for one-third of all deaths in those under 25. Schools are a logical setting for youth suicide prevention activities, with universal, selective and indicated approaches all demonstrating efficacy. Given that international best practice recommends suicide prevention programmes combine these approaches, and that to date this has not been done in school settings, this study aims to evaluate a suicide prevention programme incorporating universal, selective and indicated components in schools.

Methods

This study is a trial of a multimodal suicide prevention programme for young people. The programme involves delivering universal psychoeducation (safeTALK) to all students, screening them for suicide risk, and delivering internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (Reframe IT) to those students identified as being at high risk for suicide. The programme will be trialled in secondary schools in Melbourne, Australia, and target year 10 students (15 and 16 year-olds). safeTALK and screening will be evaluated using a single group pre-test/post-test case series, and Reframe IT will be evaluated in a Randomised Controlled Trial. The primary outcome is change in suicidal ideation; other outcomes include help-seeking behaviour and intentions, and suicide knowledge and stigma. The programme’s cost-effectiveness will also be evaluated.

Discussion

This study is the first to evaluate a suicide prevention programme comprising universal, selective and indicated components in Australian schools. If the programme is found to be efficacious and cost-effective, it could be more widely disseminated in schools and may ultimately lead to reduced rates of suicide and suicidal behaviour in school students across the region.

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Title: Study protocol for the Multimodal Approach to Preventing Suicide in Schools (MAPSS) project: a regionally based randomised trial of an integrated response to suicide risk among secondary school students
Authors: Sadhbh J. Byrne
Eleanor Bailey
Michelle Lamblin
Samuel McKay
Jane Pirkis
Cathrine Mihalopoulos
Matthew J. Spittal
Simon Rice
Sarah Hetrick
Matthew Hamilton
Hok Pan Yuen
Yong Yi Lee
Alexandra Boland
Jo Robinson
Publication date: 01-12-2022
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Suicide
Suicide
Published in: Trials / Issue 1/2022
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6215
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-022-06072-8

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Study protocol for the Multimodal Approach to Preventing Suicide in Schools (MAPSS) project: a regionally based randomised trial of an integrated response to suicide risk among secondary school students

Abstract

Background

Methods

Discussion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Discussion

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