Project Overview

As part of the World Mental Health International College Student Initiative (WMH-ICS), researchers at Curtin University have developed an assessment, triage, and assertive outreach system that has been shown to reduce suicidal intentions and behaviours by 42% in the following 12 months. This research recently led to over $2.3 million of funding from the NHMRC, FHRI Fund and Beyondblue to implement the intervention in universities across Australia. This project will involve evaluating the feasibility of implementing COMPAS within the first responder context.

Aims

The aim of this project is to investigate the feasibility of implementing COMPAS at St John Ambulance to identify individuals at risk of suicidal intentions and behaviours in the following 12 months, and to evaluate whether the COMPAS triage and assertive outreach protocol is effective at reducing suicidal intentions and behaviours.

Objectives

(a) complete a qualitative study of needs and preferences for first responders with respect to suicide prevention, (b) implement the COMPAS survey across two waves at St John Ambulance, (c) develop a predictive algorithm that can predict suicidal intentions and behaviours 12 months later, (c) use the algorithm to stratify risk and implement COMPAS’ assertive outreach, and (d) investigate if the assertive outreach leads to a reduction in suicidal intentions and behaviours 12 month later (third wave).

Significance 

First responders are at increased risk of poor mental health outcomes. If we achieve similar findings to the university study, this model will reduce suicidal intentions and behaviours in first responders by 42%. It will also identify individuals at risk of poor mental health and wellbeing, and will guide them to interventions that will increase their quality of life, effectiveness in their roles, reduce absenteeism and potential reduce attrition in this critical workforce.

The Research Governance Committee at St John Ambulance has provided in principle support for this project. The Head of Wellbeing (Janice Wong) will be a close collaborator and we will immediately establish a first responder reference group for the project within St John, as we did for our CTCS grant. The team is committed to the project and will aim to source additional funds to expand the project once the proof of concept within this context is established.

An internship may be available for this project. Students could complete a research internship within St John Ambulance.

• Future Students

• Faculty of Health Sciences

• Higher Degree by Research

• Australian Citizen
• Australian Permanent Resident
• New Zealand Citizen
• Permanent Humanitarian Visa

• Merit Based

The annual scholarship package, covering both stipend and tuition fees, amounts to approximately $70,000 per year.

In 2024, the RTP stipend scholarship offers $35,000 per annum for a duration of up to three years. Exceptional progress and adherence to timelines may qualify students for a six-month completion scholarship.

Selection for these scholarships involves a competitive process, with shortlisted applicants notified of outcomes by November 2024.

1

All applicable HDR courses.

We are looking for a self-motivated PhD candidate with excellent organisation, problem-solving and project management skills. Candidates with both quantitative and qualitative skills are desired, although training will also be provided. Must be eligible to enrol in PhD programs at Curtin. A keen interest in mental health and wellbeing is required. Experience as a first responder is highly desirable.

 

Please send your CV, academic transcripts and brief rationale why you want to join this research project via the HDR Expression of Interest form to the project lead researcher, listed below. 

You must be enrolled in a Higher Degree by Research Course at Curtin University by March 2025.

Project Lead: Professor Peter McEvoy