SOCIAL WORK INTERVENTION WITH SUICIDAL PATIENTS

Objective(s)

To equip healthcare professionals with the attitudes, skills and knowledge to help a suicidal person.

At the end of the attachment, the trainee will:

• Gain an overview of the suicidal behaviour and trends locally  and overseas                                 
 
• Understand the psycho-social needs of suicidal patients
 
• Identify the challenges and issues faced by suicidal patients and their caregivers
 
• Make suicide risk assessments
 
• Increase knowledge of suicide intervention resources in the community
 
• Gain confidence in attending to suicidal patients and;
 
• Learn about professional self care
 

Course Outline

• Introduction to understanding the suicidal behaviour and trends in Singapore
 
• Orientation to the hospital’s team approach and protocol of suicide management
 
• Observing medical social worker’s interviews with patients and their significant family members
 
• Learning to work with suicidal patients using the Suicide Intervention Model
 
• Participating in the Suicide Intervention Team’s monthly meetings and case conferences
 
• Visiting community resources such as the Samaritans of Singapore and the Institute of Mental Health
 


Methodology

Clinical attachment and 1:1 training involving pre-readings, tutorials, sit in sessions, hands-on training, pre and post course evaluation

For Whom / Pre-requisites

Currently a social worker with a degree in social work and a minimum 1 year of post-registration working experience