Changes in student pharmacists’ self-perceived knowledge and confidence regarding suicide prevention as the result of instruction and training

Abstract Introduction Trained pharmacists could play a key role in suicide prevention. Suicide prevention programs for pharmacists and students have been described in published literature. This study aimed to determine the effect of an online training program and a simulation on student pharmacists’ self-perceived knowledge and confidence regarding suicide prevention. Methods Third-year student pharmacists participated in online Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) Gatekeeper training followed by a simulation using standardized patients with depression and suicidality. Students completed a 15-item survey that assessed self-perceived knowledge and confidence regarding suicide prevention before online training, after online training, and after the simulation (1 cohort). A Mann-Whitney U test and a two-sample t test of unequal variances were used to provide a conservative estimate of the statistical significance of between-stage differences. Results Pre- and post-QPR training surveys were completed by 295 (100%) students. Postsimulation surveys were completed by 67 (90.5%) students in the 1-cohort group. Post-QPR scores were statistically significantly increased versus pre-QPR scores on all 15 items. Postsimulation scores were statistically significantly increased versus pre-QPR on 13 items. Postsimulation scores were statistically significantly less versus post-QPR scores on 13 items. Discussion Student pharmacists’ self-perceived knowledge and confidence regarding suicide prevention were increased by QPR training. In general, their self-perceptions decreased after the simulation although they were still increased compared with baseline. The online training program and simulation had a positive impact on student pharmacists’ knowledge and confidence.