Implementing, adapting, and evaluating an open online course to safely foster global understanding of suicide

Public awareness is crucial for suicide risk reduction. In March 2019, an international Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) was launched educating on global suicide and prevention. The resource transitioned from discussion facilitated runs to an open-access, non-interactive format. A quasi-experimental approach explored the efficacy of design iterations to educate about suicide. Eight implementation criteria (acceptability, adoption, appropriateness, cost, feasibility, fidelity, penetration, sustainability) were addressed using student surveys, facilitator feedback and routinely collected host platform meta-data. Between launch and February 2025, 9,620 students enrolled, with >95% (n= 904) course satisfaction. All implementation criteria were met. While initial comment-enabled runs were safely managed, the evaluation shows that safe, asynchronous learning can be achieved by optimising content and disabling discussion forums. The MOOC was highly implementable, demonstrating value in open international resources. Offering the course as independent study, did not negatively impact student experience and reduced facilitator workload and anxiety.