McKay, Samuel, Lamblin, Michelle, Bellairs-Walsh, India, Veresova, Maria, Kenny, Bridget, Bailey, Eleanor, Byrne, Sadhbh J., Pirkis, Jane, Mihalopoulos, Cathrine, Spittal, Matthew J., Rice, Simon, Brown, Ellie, Hetrick, Sarah, Hamilton, Matthew, Yuen, Hok Pan, Lee, Yong Yi and Robinson, Jo (2025) Protocol update to a study protocol for the Multimodal Approach to Preventing Suicide in Schools (MAPSS) project: a regionally based randomised trial of an integrated response to suicide risk among secondary school students. Trials, 26 (1). ISSN 1745-6215
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Abstract
Background This update outlines amendments to the MAPSS trial protocol in response to both the COVID-19
pandemic and broader feasibility considerations. While many changes were necessary to navigate pandemic-related
disruptions—such as school closures and remote learning—others were made to improve feasibility in the schoolbased setting, independent of COVID-19. The protocol was updated to align with public health guidelines and general school practices, ensuring feasibility for continued school participation and increased support and flexibility
for school communities.
Methods Key adjustments included changes to participant-facing documentation, including implementing digital
consent processes, extending timelines for participant recruitment and participation, and enhancing remote engagement strategies. Modifying outcome measures and risk management protocols, including adverse event reporting,
ensured both participant safety and data continuity. Lastly, new study measures were added, such as a customdesigned questionnaire to assess study acceptability. Despite the updates, the core trial design, eligibility criteria,
and primary outcomes remained unchanged.
Conclusion These protocol amendments reflect the pragmatic challenges of conducting school-based mental
health research during a global pandemic and as part of ongoing efforts to enhance feasibility. The adjustments
enabled the trial to proceed safely, prioritizing participant engagement and maintaining alignment with public health
measures
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | Suicide prevention; Schools; Psychoeducation; Screening; ICBT; |
| Academic Unit: | Faculty of Science and Engineering > Psychology |
| Item ID: | 21258 |
| Identification Number: | 10.1186/s13063-025-09118-9 |
| Depositing User: | Sadhbh Byrne |
| Date Deposited: | 02 Mar 2026 13:59 |
| Journal or Publication Title: | Trials |
| Publisher: | BMC |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Related URLs: | |
| Use Licence: | This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here |
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