Frequently Asked questions
- What targets/outcomes does ASIST meet?
- What else is happening in the UK with ASIST?
- Doesn't increased case finding by suicide 1st aid helpers provide more work for A&E & already stretched mental health resources?
- Why does the training take up 2 days - can it be done in 1 day?
- Why isn't ASIST a cascade model of training?
- Why does ASIST provide a Risk Review, rather than Risk Assessment?
What targets/outcomes does ASIST meet?
NSF Standard 7 (Suicide Prevention) Recommended in the DoH publication: "Best practice in Managing Risk" July 2007; Principles and guidance for best practice in the assessment and management of risk to self and others in mental health services
The SIM risk review improves the quality of information and communication between agencies and individuals, especially where referrals to secondary heath services are necessary Evaluations have shown:
What else is happening in the UK with ASIST?
ASIST has been an integral part of Scotland's "Choose Life" strategy since 2003 Mind Cymru in Wales has been awarded £1,000,000 from the National Lottery to roll out ASIST and is supported by the Welsh Assembly Government Extensive work undertaken in Ireland. E.g. In Northern Ireland UNISON offers free ASIST training targeted at nurses, social workers and ambulance staff as part of their commitment to continuing professional development
Doesn't increased case finding by suicide 1st aid helpers provide more work for A&E & already stretched mental health resources?
Alert and suicide first aid helpers can provide an appropriate triage function before accessing scarce professional resources. Evidence from Wales suggests fewer suicidal people are being referred, and referrals made are more appropriate in the kinds of issues and in intensity of distress for their services.
Why does the training take up 2 days - can it be done in 1 day?
Of course, we are all aware of the surge in knowledge expectations for health care providers over the past 15 years. It is a major issue in education and ongoing professional development. The Institute of Medicine in USA (2002) states that a program to change skilled behaviours in work with persons at risk cannot be accomplished in one day, and that clarification of attitudes is an important component. Costs of backfilling are considerable for any educational program. We often suggest to larger institutions offering ASIST training that they sample the caregivers from a variety of work environments to create heterogeneous ASIST participants. This supports the interlinking of carers that is so important in the chain of care for a Person at Risk and also does not require that any service close its doors for two days to get ASIST training.
Why isn't ASIST a cascade model of training?
Exploring attitudes and experiences with suicide and building the group strength that allows a safe environment to try new skills and behaviours of helping requires time and facilitator skills. Our Manual provides clear direction in this regard. Additionally, all ASIST trainers are prepared to do a 'suicide first aid' helping intervention should it be required. This quality control around participant safety cannot be delivered by a cascade model of learning.
Why does ASIST provide a Risk Review, rather than Risk Assessment?
Risk assessments are generally based on a numerical construct of risk severity. In reality this can mean that "Low risks" may not be provided with any plans or resources to address the risk. In ASIST, each person gets an individualized care plan based on risk review elements that signal danger. In fact, ASIST emphasises the enhancing of individual helping skill competencies with persons at risk, whatever their therapy approach or site where services are delivered. The learnings of ASIST can be generalized and are transferrable as demonstrated in the ASIST Evaluation for Scotland (2008) where interventions with a person at risk occurred at work, at home and with colleagues. All of these interventions served the goal of lessening suicide behaviours in Scotland and were offered by competently trained helpers.
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