Suicide Prevention Skill Building for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Assistants

Suicide Prevention Skills Build Training for Pharmacists & Pharmacy Assistants is a follow-on training program, for pharmacists and pharmacy assistants who have completed the Black Dog Institute’s Suicide Prevention Training for Pharmacists.

This practical and interactive 2 hour session will build on the first program, with a focus on practicing the conversation skills required when someone in your pharmacy may be displaying suicidal signs and symptoms. You will also discuss Staged Supply in your context, as ‘means restriction’ is known to be effective in preventing suicide. Pharmacists can play a role in reducing access to means for self-poisoning for those presenting at community pharmacists. You will explore a Staged Supply conversation tool, developed by pharmacists, as a key resource to improve the Staged Supply process for those receiving it for mental health reasons and help pharmacists in interactions with customers. The final activity explores integrating the tools and behaviours to your pharmacy climate, culture and workflow and some tips for your own selfcare.

Participants must have completed Black Dog Institute’s Suicide Prevention Training for Pharmacists

• Identify risk factors and warning signs of someone having suicidal thoughts
• Prepare for a conversation with someone who may display suicidal signs and symptoms
• Have a conversation with someone who is displaying suicidal signs and symptoms
• Develop and action implementation strategies to embed suicide prevention (staged supply) into the pharmacy in which they work including training other staff
• Recognise support and resources on suicidality
• Refer to referral pathways to keep someone safe