Review of the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training Program ...

ASIST safeplan provides options to those at risk
The ASIST SIM includes assessment of suicide risk and the development of a safeplan. The safeplan
provides for various options depending upon present and future risk, available resources, and the needs of
the person at risk. Options include not only referral to formal mental healthcare professionals but also to
friends, family members, and other sources of support. It is the philosophy of ASIST that the SIM may
be sufficient to reduce risk without the need for further referral (Figure 3).
Figure 3: ASIST Logic Model—Outcomes
Intervention
Knowledge
Attitudes Favorable to
Intervening
Suicide Intervention
Skills
Outcomes
Short-Term Intermediate
Long-Term
Identification of
at risk
ASIST Suicide
Intervention Model
Connecting
Understanding
Assisting
Suicide Attempts
Suicide Deaths
ASIST is longer to accommodate additional material and training methods
ASIST training is longer than most gatekeeper training programs. ASIST training is fourteen hours, while
most gatekeeper training programs provide one to five hours of training (Suicide Prevention Resource
Center, 2009). The greater time allows for a more skill dependent training, particularly in regard to
addressing the attitudes of participants and engaging in simulations.
2.2 Other notable features of ASIST training
Other notable features of ASIST include a focus on improving trainee attitudes toward suicide intervention,
the use of multiple simulations to rehearse and refine intervention skills, and a discussion of the potential
of ASIST, along with complementary programs, to create suicide safer communities.
Improving attitudes toward suicide intervention
At the beginning of ASIST training, trainees, with the help of trainers, have an opportunity to openly and
freely discuss their attitudes about suicide. “In workgroup discussion, participants explore, express, identify,
examine and perhaps modify their attitudes about suicide and suicide first aid. Looking at attitudes toward
suicide is the first step in learning the knowledge and skills to work with persons at risk of suicide” (Lang,
Ramsay, Tanney, & Kinzel, 2007, p. 73).
Using simulations to improve skill development
ASIST training incorporates multiple levels of simulations (trainer to trainer, trainer to audience,
trainer to trainee, trainee to trainee). The use of interactive methods, particularly simulations, in training is
more likely to change behavior than simple didactic presentations (Davis, et al., 1999) and active learning,
which includes the use of simulations, may increase gatekeeper training effectiveness (Cross, et al., 2007).
Creating suicide safer communities
ASIST is designed to work best when part of a community-based comprehensive approach to reducing
suicide risk. This community approach may involve lay-persons, paraprofessionals, and professionals alike
to create what LivingWorks refers to as “suicide safer communities.”
10 Review of the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training Program (ASIST) LivingWorks Education