RESUMEN
Current research demonstrates a sparsity of United Kingdom-focused research into graduate-entry nursing programmes, as well as a need for further research into motivations and expectations of graduate-entry nursing students. The aim of this study was to explore a graduate-entry nursing programme from a student perspective, with a specific focus on a) motivations for enrolling, b) expectations of the programme, and c) experience of the programme to date. A qualitative descriptive design was utilised. Three focus groups and one interview were conducted with students from two cohorts at a British university at multiple points during the two years of the programme. Qualitative data were analysed thematically, and findings presented back to participants. It was found that student motivations were consistent with previous research and key stressors were identified relating to both academic and placement elements of the programme. It is proposed that the underlying cause of stress amongst graduate-entry nursing students was a lack of perceived control over their experience. This finding is supported by Karasek's (1979) Job Demand-Control Model. It is suggested that increasing students' perceived control could decrease student stress, therefore improving retention and enhancing the student experience.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Suicide is the leading cause of death of children and young people under 35 in the UK, and suicide rates are rising in this age group. Schools are considered an appropriate and logical setting for youth suicide prevention activities, with universal, selective, and indicated approaches all demonstrating efficacy. Given that international best practice recommends suicide prevention programmes combine these approaches, and that to date this has not been done in school settings in the UK, this study aims to evaluate the feasibility of delivering a suicide prevention programme incorporating universal, selective, and indicated components in UK schools. METHODS: This study is a feasibility cluster-randomised controlled trial (RCT) of an adapted version of the Multimodal Approach to Preventing Suicide in Schools (MAPSS) programme. The programme, initially developed in Australia, involves delivering universal psychoeducation to all pupils, screening them for suicide risk, and delivering Internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (Reframe IT-UK) to those students identified as being at high-risk for suicide. The programme will be trialled in six secondary schools in Northwest England and will target Year 10 students (14- and 15-year-olds). The primary aims are to assess: 1) the acceptability and safety of delivering MAPSS in a school setting in the UK; 2) the social validity of the MAPSS programme; and 3) the feasibility of delivering a large-scale, appropriately powered, cluster-RCT and economic evaluation of this intervention in the future. Secondary aims are to assess changes over time in mental health and wellbeing outcomes. DISCUSSION: This study is the first to evaluate a suicide prevention programme comprising universal, selective, and indicated components in UK schools. If the programme is found to be feasible, it could be more widely tested in schools and may ultimately lead to reduced rates of suicide and suicidal behaviour in young people.