Co-creation of Tools for People in Detention With Suicidal Thoughts and/or Behavior
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Co-creation process for suicide prevention tools in detention.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Suicide Prevention, Suicide, Suicidal Ideation. Basic parameters: from 18 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Belgium
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
Unsure about the terms? Read our patient guide →
Overview
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.
Interventions
- Other Co-creation process for suicide prevention tools in detention
The 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
Primary outcome measures
- Evaluation of Suicide Prevention Tools in the Detention Context [Time frame: Each participant is assessed during one (for incarcerated individuals) or up to three (for professionals) interviews]
Eligibility criteria
For professionals working in detention:
Inclusion criteria
- 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
Exclusion criteria
- Under the age of 18
- Not employed in a professional caregiving role within detention (e.g., correctional officers or security staff)
For people in detention:
Inclusion criteria
- Aged 18 years or older
- Experienced suicidal thoughts within the past three years
Exclusion criteria
- Under the age of 18
- Significant cognitive limitations that would make the participation in an interview infeasible
- Insufficient command of the Dutch language to understand and respond to interview questions
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: Yes
Study design
- Observational model
- Other
Study locations
Belgium · 1 center
- Flemish Centre of Expertise in Suicide Prevention, Ghent University — Ghent
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07259408 · ONZ-2025-0349