Suicide prevention in the Flemish pharmacies

Introduction: In Flanders, the Flemish Pharmacists Network (VAN), in collaboration with the Flemish Centre of Expertise in Suicide Prevention (VLESP) will finish the second and final phase of the project on suicide prevention through expertise promotion in public pharmacies at the end of March 2024. This initiative is part of the third Flemish action plan in suicide prevention that aims to reduce deaths by suicide in Flanders by 10 % by 2030 compared to 2022. Background: Suicidal thoughts are a serious and complex issue, often with no single root cause or explanation. Nor is there one simple way to prevent people from having them. Through scientific research and experience, much has already been uncovered about the origins and process of suicide as well as some effective prevention strategies. Reducing access to means of suicide is an effective prevention method. Pharmacists can play an important role in suicide prevention as gatekeepers. Who is it for? Pharmacies are low-threshold and an easily accessible gateway keepers to healthcare for a lot of citizens. The goal is for pharmacists to actively question their patients about possible suicidal ideation and, if necessary, refer them to a health professional who can provide further help. Who did you involve and engage with? In 2022, VAN launched the project among Flemish pharmacists in collaboration with VLESP and with the support of the Flemish government. What did you do? The project started its first phase in 2022. It included a literature review, a needs assessment and the creation, launch and evaluation of the e-learning as a tool for gatekeeper training. In the second phase, participating pharmacies were mentored in a variety of methods to have productive conversations in their pharmacies in the context of suicide prevention. These conversations were measured qualitatively and quantitatively. What results did you get? A survey of the first phase showed a need and willingness of expertise improvement among participating pharmacists. They indicated their preference of an e-learning to learn the necessary skills. Results from the pre and post test of the e-learning showed promising results for the e-learning as gatekeeper training. In the second phase, the number of conversations about suicide in pharmacies was measured, providing further insight into the number of conversations with patients from a vulnerable target group or with a history of suicidal thoughts. In addition, the reason for the conversation, medication use and concrete preventive actions taken were also mapped out. It was also measured how long each conversation lasted on average and where they took place. What is the learning for the international audience? The practical approach taken in this project offers valuable insights for international audiences. The results outline the pharmacist’s potential role in suicide prevention and how this role can be effectively implemented. What are the next steps? Upon completing the final phase of the project in March 2024, a comprehensive report will be prepared for the Flemish government for further implementation in Flanders.