NCT07259408

Co-creation of Tools for People in Detention With Suicidal Thoughts and/or Behavior

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: —
• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 40 (estimated)
• Sponsor: University Ghent · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

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.

Conditions

• Suicide Prevention
• Suicide
• Suicidal Ideation

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
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 on usability, perceived barriers, and suggestions for real-world implementation in the detention context. Interviews are repeated up to three times per professional participants depending on availability and co-creation progress. For individuals in detention there is only one interview. Feedback from all participants will be used to adapt and refine the tools for future use in detention facilities.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-10-27
• Primary completion: 2026-05-01
• Completion: 2026-05-01
• First posted: 2025-12-02
• Last updated: 2025-12-02

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Belgium