(PS8-43) Evaluation of an Interdisciplinary Emergency Department Simulation with a Suicidal Patient for Medical, Nursing, and Psychology Students

Research shows that healthcare professionals across disciplines have minimal preclinical training in assessing and treating persons with suicidal ideation or attempts. Suicidality is a worldwide epidemic on an upward trend. There are various biological, social, and psychological components that can contribute to suicidal ideation and related behavior. Individuals who are experiencing active suicidality often seek services in an integrated care setting such as a hospital. Typically within integrated care settings, there is a treatment team composed of individuals across varying disciplines responsible for adequate and comprehensive care. Recent research suggests that educational programs training the aforementioned individuals rely on internship, residency, or practicum experiences instead of incorporating the applicable training within their curriculum. Therefore, this study was developed to examine self-perceived competence and comfortability in current graduate and undergraduate students amidst their respective training. This exploratory study consists of a three-part simulation (i.e., triaging a patient, assessing for safety precautions/administration of a Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale, and a psychological intervention) of a standardized patient actively experiencing suicidality within an emergency department. This study represents a work-in-progress with the goal of 150 participants, of which data on 42 participants has been collected, to date, including clinical psychology doctoral students (PsyD students), medical students (DO students), and undergraduate nursing students. Students rate their confidence and comfortability with a questionnaire given pre and post-simulation experience along with open-ended questions. This hybrid study aims to examine the efficacy of the interdisciplinary training simulation regarding their knowledge, skills, and attitudes regarding suicidality across professional students. This data will inform the curriculum and future simulations targeted to improve healthcare professionals’ ability to work with patients with suicidal ideation. Data supporting the improvement of students’ comfort and confidence in interacting with patients experiencing suicidality support the incorporation of simulations as a model for interdisciplinary training and interprofessional education.