Bridging the gap : an online survey on how suicide prevention training shapes oncology professionals’ confidence, practice, and training needs

Abstract

Purpose Cancer patients have an elevated risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior (STBs). Therefore, healthcare professionals (HCPs) caring for them have a central role as gatekeepers in suicide prevention. However, there is considerable heterogeneity in whether and how they address patients’ suicidality in practice. This study explored these variations, and the relevance of training. Methods An online survey was conducted among 228 oncology HCPs from several professions. The study examined sociodemographic differences in key variables (subjective knowledge, confidence, being emotionally overwhelmed, perceived control, self-efficacy, stigmatization) along with previous participation in and need for further training, routine exploration of STBs, and their interrelations. A Latent-Class Analysis (LCA) examined associations between HCPs' reports surrounding the active exploration of suicidality and their personal characteristics. A qualitative content analysis identified content recommendations. Results The majority of HCPs (81 %) reported a need for further training. Differences were found based on sociodemographic characteristics and profession. Previous participation in training was indirectly related to routine exploration through confidence and subjective knowledge. Self-efficacy statistically predicted less reported need for further training. The LCA identified three classes: (1) high exploration with low knowledge/confidence, (2) high exploration with high knowledge/confidence, and (3) less exploration with high knowledge/confidence. Participants also reported preferred training characteristics and content. Conclusions The findings underscore the need to include all cancer care professionals in suicide prevention training. Training should enhance confidence as well as evidence-based knowledge, and evaluate both. Actual clinical behavior such as the routine exploration of STBs is a crucial outcome in real-world practice.