Co-creating suicide prevention tools for people in prison
Official title: Co-creation of Tools for People in Detention With Suicidal Thoughts and/or Behavior
Run by University Ghent · NCT07259408 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will work with people in prison and prison care staff to test and adapt three suicide prevention tools so they fit prison life and are easier to use.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Ghent Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ghent, East-Flanders) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 27, 2025 |
| Main results expected | May 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | May 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | December 2, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07259408 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal participants are adults in Belgian detention who have had suicidal thoughts in the past three years and prison care professionals (e.g., psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, nurses) who have experience supporting people with suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
✕Probably not a fit
People under 18, those with significant cognitive limitations that prevent interview participation, non-Dutch speakers who cannot complete the interview, and non-care prison staff (e.g., security-only roles) are unlikely to benefit directly from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
People in detention have a much higher risk of suicide than the general population, and many existing prevention tools are not adapted to the prison context. This observational co-creation project conducts interviews with 20 incarcerated adults who have experienced suicidal thoughts and 20 prison-based care professionals to gather practical feedback on three evidence-based tools: the Safety Plan, the guideline for care and evaluation of suicidality, and a Risk Formulation template. Participants discuss usability, clarity, and how the tools align with the realities and constraints of detention settings. Findings will be used to adapt the tools for clearer, more practical use in Flemish prisons.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the adapted tools could be easier for prison staff and incarcerated people to use, improving recognition of warning signs and responses and potentially reducing suicide risk in detention.
How similar studies have gone: Safety Planning and structured risk formulation have shown effectiveness in community and clinical settings, but these specific tools have been little tested or adapted for the unique environment of prisons.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
For professionals working in detention: Inclusion criteria: * Aged 18 years or older * Currently working in a professional care role within a prison setting (e.g., psychologist, psychiatirst, social worker, nurse, etc.) * Experience in supporting or treating incarcerated individuals with suicidal thoughts or behaviours Exclusion Criteria: * Under the age of 18 * Not employed in a professional caregiving role within detention (e.g., correctional officers or security staff) For people in detention: Inclusion criteria: * Aged 18 years or older * Experienced suicidal thoughts within the past three years Exclusion criteria: * Under the age of 18 * Significant cognitive limitations that would make the participation in an interview infeasible * Insufficient command of the Dutch language to understand and respond to interview questions
Where it's running
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Flemish Centre of Expertise in Suicide Prevention, Ghent University
Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Gwendolyn Portzky, PhD — Flemish Centre of Expertise in Suicide Prevention (Ghent University)
- Study coordinator: Eva De Jaegere, PhD
- Email: eva.dejaegere@ugent.be
- Phone: +32 (0)9 332.07.75
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.