Evaluating Implementation of the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) Training for Rural Suicide Prevention Among Mental Health and Healthcare Professionals

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidology (CAMS) training among mental health and healthcare professionals in rural communities. Using a quasi-experimental design and convenience sampling, participants underwent CAMS training, with evaluations conducted through pre- and post-training surveys. Descriptive statistics and a paired-sample t-test were used to assess the outcomes. A total of 11 nurses participated in the CAMS training and completed the pre- and post-test surveys. Significant improvements were observed in participants' organizational facilitated self-efficacy for understanding one's responsibility for risk assessment with moderate effect post-training (<i>M =</i> 3.64<i>, SD =</i> 0.50<i>, t</i>(10) <i>=</i> 3.98<i>, p =</i> 0.02<i>, d =</i> 1.20) compared to pre-training (<i>M =</i> 2.18<i>, SD =</i> 0.98). Additionally, participants showed statistically significant improvement in their ability to maintain a collaborative and empathetic stance toward suicidal clients post-training (<i>M</i> = 3.27, <i>SD = 0.65</i>, t(10) = 2.89, <i>p</i> = 0.01, <i>d</i> = 0.87) compared to pre-training (<i>M =</i> 2.82<i>, SD =</i> 0.60). The study findings suggest that CAMS training improves nurses' knowledge, attitudes, skills, and competency of nurses to address suicide in rural communities. Expanding such training may help address suicide mortality in largely rural states like Kentucky.