Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality model (CAMS-care)

The project aimed to increase the capacity of clinical professionals to deliver evidence-based treatment for people at risk of suicide, primarily within the Melton and Brimbank place-based suicide prevention trial communities. This was achieved through purchasing and coordinating of subsidised continuous professional development (CPD) opportunities within the local area.

This activity was part of the Melton and Brimbank Place-Based Suicide Prevention Trials.

A training package was delivered. It comprised:  

• an online training module for up to 50 participants 
• An interactive online role-play CAMS training program for 50 people across 2 half days. NWMPHN managed registration and access. 
• 6 teleconference calls took place after the CAMS training. The calls provided participants the opportunity to ask questions and reflect on their experiences with clients since adopting the CAMS framework in their practices.  

 30 participants completed the CAMS training course. The attendees consisted of mental health workers, nurses, occupational therapists, psychologists, social workers, substance abuse counsellors and youth mental health workers. Participants worked across community mental health agencies, hospitals, private practice and had varying levels of expertise supporting people who experience mental health illnesses or suicidalities. Of the participants, 27 said the training can be incorporated into their practice. All said they would recommend the use of CAMS to a colleague.  

CAMS-care training provided clinicians with the opportunity to learn and implement an evidence-based suicide-focused treatment framework. Of the participants, 50 per cent stated that they would be able to use the CAMS framework in their practice straight away, with a further 40 per cent advising that they can use “much of it”.