Preventing Suicide and Self-Harm: Evaluating the Efficacy of a Helpline From a Service User and Helpline Worker Perspective

Philip Tyson, Claire Law, Sophie Reed, Emma Johnsey, Olusola Aruna, Sue Hall

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Telephone helplines are considered to play an important role in preventing suicide and self-harm among callers in distress. However, inconsistency in the methods of evaluating such services has limited the firm conclusions that can be drawn.

Aims: To evaluate the efficacy of a UK-based helpline from a service user and helpline worker perspective.

Method: Callers were asked about their mental state at the beginning and end of the call with a short questionnaire. Helpline workers were surveyed about their experiences of using the questionnaire as part of routine service provision.

Results: The helpline was successful at reducing suicidal and self-harming ideation. The short questionnaire method was also successfully integrated into routine practice.

Conclusion: Evaluating the efficacy of helplines can be successfully achieved using the short questionnaire method.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)353-360
JournalCrisis
Volume37
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Sep 2016

Keywords

  • helpline
  • evaluation
  • suicide
  • self-harm

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