Evaluating a training intervention to prepare geriatric case managers to assess for suicide and firearm safety

The purpose of this article is to report on the implementation and initial evaluation of a 1-day training intervention targeting direct care providers in the Ohio aging services network. A primary objective is to describe the training intervention that consisted of two parts: (a) a gatekeeper training for assessing suicide risk among older adults, and (b) CALM (Counseling on Access to Lethal Means)—a brief training that teaches effective strategies to talk with clients about reducing access to lethal means. A second objective of this study is to report on changes in providers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices immediately posttraining related to suicide and firearm assessment and safety counseling with community dwelling older adults. Sixty-six employees in one regional office participated in the study. Results indicated that training increased participants’ perceived knowledge, preparedness, and efficacy regarding suicide assessment. Training also positively impacted knowledge and attitudes of firearm assessment and safety counseling among participants. At posttest, however, gatekeeper reluctance did not demonstrate a significant decrease. This study is unique in its contribution to literature on suicide prevention training with its focus on geriatric care providers and attention to measuring firearm assessment and safety counseling.