A pilot study in suicide intervention training using a group intervention for patients with recurrent suicide attempts.

OBJECTIVE: This article describes psychiatric trainees' reflections regarding their participation in a psychosocial/psychoeducational group intervention for individuals with recurrent suicide attempts.

METHODS: Fourteen psychiatric residents who completed at least one 20-week intervention cycle were given a 15-item questionnaire which consisted of 12 reflective statements rated on a 5-point Likert scale. The questionnaire assessed their perceptions of the training experience and subsequent comfort in managing recurrently suicidal patients.

RESULTS: Thirteen residents (93%) completed the survey. Following the training experience, nearly all residents (85%) endorsed feeling more comfortable managing patients with recurrent suicide attempts. Training was perceived as having clinical and educational value and an impact on general practice.

CONCLUSION: Although the intervention was associated with changes in psychiatric residents' perceived comfort in managing patients with recurrent suicide attempts, more rigorous research examining the effects of the intervention on suicidology training is needed.