Co-creation of Tools for People in Detention With Suicidal Thoughts and/or Behavior
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot listed
Trial typeObservational
Biological sexAll
Age18+
SponsorUniversity Ghent
About this trial
People in detention are at significantly higher risk of suicide compared to the general population. In Belgian prisons, the suicide rate is five times higher than average. Despite the availability of suicide prevention tools, many are not scientifically validated or adapted to the detention context, leading to inconsistent use and missed warning signs.
This study aims to evaluate and adapt three evidence-based suicide prevention tools-the Safety Plan, the guideline for the care and evaluation of suicidality , and the Risk Formulation template-for use in detention settings. Through interviews with both professionals working in prisons and individuals in detention, the study explores how these tools can be made more relevant, practical, and effective in this unique environment.
The research involves 40 participants: 20 professionals and 20 individuals in detention. Interviews will gather feedback on the tools' usability, clarity, and fit with the realities of prison life. The ultimate goal is to improve suicide prevention practices in detention by offering tailored, scientifically grounded tools that support both staff and detainees.
Eligibility criteria
This trial accepts healthy volunteersQualifiers
Aged 18 years or older
Currently working in a professional care role within a prison setting (e.g., psychologist, psychiatirst, social worker, nurse, etc.)
Experience in supporting or treating incarcerated individuals with suicidal thoughts or behaviours
Disqualifiers
Under the age of 18
Not employed in a professional caregiving role within detention (e.g., correctional officers or security staff)
Aged 18 years or older
Experienced suicidal thoughts within the past three years
Trial population
Participants will be drawn from Belgian detention facilities and the prison-based care network. Specifically: * Professionals working in detention: Psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, nurses, and other healthcare staff working within Belgian detention centers who have had experience in suicide prevention. * People in detention: Adults held in selected Belgian prisons who are clinically stable and able to participate in a one-hour interview. Referrals will be made by prison psychologists, social workers, or healthcare staff.
Trial design
Design model
Other
Time perspective
Prospective
Treatments tested in this trial
Co-creation process for suicide prevention tools in detention
Other interventionThe intervention consists of a co-creation process involving detained individuals and detention professionals through semi-structured interviews. For professionals, the interviews will focus on the usability, applicability, and implementation of three suicide prevention tools. Interviews with individuals in detention will focus only on the Safety Plan. They will be asked about what helps them in moments of crisis and their views on the Safety Plan in detention. The goal is to collect feedback on usability, perceived barriers, and suggestions for real-world implementation in the detention context. Interviews are repeated up to three times per professional participants depending on availability and co-creation progress. For individuals in detention there is only one interview. Feedback from all participants will be used to adapt and refine the tools for future use in detention facilities.
Treatment groups
40 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groupsGroup A: Individuals in detention1 intervention
Group B: Professionals working in detention1 intervention
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Evaluation of Suicide Prevention Tools in the Detention Context
This outcome measure assesses the usability, applicability, and improvement potential of three suicide prevention tools based on qualitative feedback from professionals working in detention and individuals in detention. Through semi-structured interviews, the study explores how these tools are experienced in practice, identifies perceived strengths and limitations, and gathers concrete suggestions for adaptation to better fit the detention environment.
Time frame
Each participant is assessed during one (for incarcerated individuals) or up to three (for professionals) interviewsSponsors and contacts
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Source ClinicalTrials.gov