Evaluation of Adolescent Suicide Prevention E-Learning Modules for Gatekeepers From the User’s Perspective

Objective: This paper discusses the evaluation from a user’s perspective of an online adolescent suicide prevention program called Mental Health Online (MHO). This program consisted of eight e-learning modules and additional information, and was designed by the researchers of this study especially for gatekeepers. The study addressed the user’s perception with regard to: expectation and relevancy (1), design satisfaction (2), suggestions for improvement (3), and usefulness and recommendation to others (4). In addition, it was aimed to provide some insight about the learning behavior of the users in an online environment (5). Method: A total of 83 gatekeepers completed a self-report evaluation questionnaire which was part of a randomized controlled trial on the effectiveness of MHO. Results: All features of the program (expectations, relevance, duration, user friendliness, interaction, contentment with cases and quizzes) were positively appraised by the participants. Furthermore, gatekeepers in this study stated to have gained knowledge, self-confidence and skills in adolescent suicide prevention, and indicated that they would recommend the modules to other gatekeepers. In addition, the results showed that – even though not obligatory – almost all gatekeepers did complete all eight modules, and that the additional information was not used by many participants. Lastly, a very small percentage of the users returned to the website to refresh their knowledge. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that the use of e-learning modules in adolescent suicide prevention is a satisfactory technique according to gatekeepers. Evaluation of the MHO modules 99