is an online, interactive gatekeeper training simulation that uses virtual role-play to help Emergency Department medical and support staff identify at-risk patients. Through simulated conversations with potentially at-risk patients, the program examines common indicators of psychological distress and substance abuse, and teaches evidence-based best practice methods for evaluating and triaging an at-risk patient.
Users enter a virtual environment, assume the role of a medical practitioner in an Emergency Department and engage in simulated conversations with three avatars who act and respond like patients exhibiting signs of substance abuse and suicide ideation.
In this process, they learn effective conversation tactics and motivational interviewing techniques to:
Evaluate and triage patients
in a time-limited environment for risk of suicide and substance abuse, especially for patients presenting to ER for medical, and not psychological, issues
Probe for and address
suicidal intent and substance abuse
Complete documentation
referral and discharge procedures
Goals include:
1. Risk factor identification
2. Immediate safety needs
3. Determining most appropriate treatment setting
4. Provision of resource information for crisis situations
At-Risk for Faculty, Students, and High School Educators have all received national recognition by being listed in the Suicide Prevention Resource Center and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Best Practices Registry for Suicide Prevention. At-Risk for ER Department Staff has been submitted for acceptance in this prestigious registry.
At-Risk is the first simulation-based training program to be included in this prestigious national registry. Resources are added to the registry after review by a team of independent suicide prevention experts.
