E-learning suicide prevention training for prison staff in Belgian detention centers
Evaluation of E-learning on Suicide Prevention for Professionals in a Detention Context
This project will test whether an online gatekeeper training helps prison staff in Belgium feel more confident and knowledgeable about preventing suicide among people in detention.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 1300 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Ghent Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ghent) |
| Trial ID | NCT07080736 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Prison staff at participating Belgian penitentiary institutions will complete an e-learning gatekeeper training and their responses will be measured before and after the course. Outcomes include changes in knowledge, attitudes, perceptions about suicide prevention, self-efficacy for responding to suicidal behavior, and reported applicability in daily practice. Participation is limited to Dutch-speaking employees with internet access at the listed sites. Data will be collected and analyzed to determine whether the training produces measurable improvements.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal participants are Dutch-speaking prison staff aged 18 or older who work in the participating penitentiary institutions (Ypres, Merksplas, Bruges, Mechelen) and have internet access.
Not a fit: Staff who do not work in the participating institutions, who cannot access the internet, or who do not speak Dutch will not be eligible and therefore will not receive benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, this training could help staff better recognize and respond to suicidal behavior, potentially reducing suicide risk among people in detention.
How similar studies have performed: Gatekeeper and e-learning programs have improved knowledge and self-efficacy in other settings, but evidence specifically within prison environments is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: ≥ 18 years old Have access to internet Speak Dutch Working within a penitentiary institution, in particular in the establishments in Ypres, Merksplas, Bruges and Mechelen. Exclusion Criteria: Staff of prisons not working in participating institutions
Where this trial is running
Ghent
- Flemish Centre of Expertise in Suicide Prevention, Ghent University — Ghent, Belgium (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Gwendolyn Portzky, PhD — University Ghent
- Study coordinator: Eva De Jaegere, PhD
- Email: eva.dejaegere@ugent.be
- Phone: +32 (0)9 332.07.75
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.