Long-Term Use and Application of Systematic Tailored Assessment for Responding to Suicidality (STARS) Protocol Following Original Training

Abstract

Background: Understanding the use of Systematic Tailored Assessment for Responding to Suicidality protocol (STARS-p) in practice by trained mental health practitioners over the longer- term is critical to informing further developments. The study aim was to examine practitioners’ experiences of STARS-p and factors associated with its use in practice over a 12–24-month period after training. Method: Practitioners who undertook the STARS-p training completed an online survey 12–24 months post training. The survey focused on the frequency of use of STARS-p (in full and each section) as well as perceptions about STARS-p applied in practice. Analyses included correlations, logistic regression and content analysis. Results: 67 participants (81% female, Mage = 43.2, SD = 10.3) were included in the analyses. A total of 80.6% of participants had used the entire STARS-p at some time-point in their practice and less than half (44.7%) frequently used the entire STARS-p (all components in one administration). Parts A, B and C were used frequently in suicide risk assessment (SRA) by 84%, 71% and 82% of participants, respectively. Use of the entire protocol and different sections was most related to male gender, perceived ease of administration and confidence in the use of the protocol. Qualitative results revealed three main themes. Conclusions: STARS-p as a whole or its parts, is frequently used. Advantages of, and barriers to, using STARS-p in practice can inform further developments of STARS-p and STARS training.