Remote supervision and training in suicide prevention during the time of the coronavirus pandemic: Recommendations for training programs and supervisors.

Abstract

The Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19) has led to a widespread surge in need for mental health services. At the same time, trainees in health service psychology rapidly transitioned to remote work to protect the safety of themselves, colleagues, and patients from the pandemic. This abrupt switch has led to pioneering advancements in the use of remote technologies which can improve access for patients and trainees alike. However, the existing guidelines for telehealth lack specific recommendations for training programs and supervision. Further, the literature is especially lacking in information on training in suicide risk assessment and management for when both supervision and treatment are conducted virtually. Trainees commonly experience relatively high anxiety when working with high-risk patients, and close supervision and support are paramount. This review provides information on available technologies that can aid suicide prevention, highlights gaps in existing guidelines and literature for telehealth as these may apply to trainees' work with high-risk patients, and delineates recommendations for training programs and supervisors to optimally support trainees' learning with regard to suicide prevention, and to ensure that trainees provide their patients with optimal treatment. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved) Impact Statement Public Significance Statement -This review highlights key challenges for trainees working with patients at high risk for suicide while working remotely during the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19). Presently, there is a dearth of specific guidance to aid training programs during this time. The authors of this paper, representing trainees at multiple stages, conducted an extensive review of the current status of telehealth services specific to training and suicide prevention, and in this manuscript delineate specific recommendations for training programs and supervisors that can have immediate applicability to the psychology field. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)