An educational intervention for GPs in identifying youth suicide risk
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The development of an educational intervention for General Practitioners in identifying and managing suicide risk in young people
IRAS ID
151082
Contact name
Maria Michail
Contact email
Research summary
Suicide is a major public health problem and among the top three causes of death in young people. Apart from the apparent societal consequences, the economic impacts of suicide are profound with the average cost per completed suicide in England reaching £1.67m. Youth suicide prevention is a key public health target and national strategies have highlighted the importance of the early identification, assessment and management of at-risk young people. Primary care presents an appropriate pathway for the identification and management of suicide risk as 45% of those completing suicide, including young adults, contact their GP in the month before their death. However, evidence shows that suicide risk factors in young people, such as depression, go unidentified and unmanaged by GPs. Providing GPs with adequate training and education is expected to lead to increased identification of those at-risk which has the potential to be cost-effective if it leads to adequate subsequent treatment and to improve the mental health and wellbeing of young people. The aim of the proposed study is to develop an education intervention for GPs in identifying and managing suicide risk in young people.
REC name
West Midlands - Coventry & Warwickshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/WM/1100
Date of REC Opinion
15 Sep 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion