The aims of the ACROSSnet research project research are as follows:

• To increase fundamental knowledge by developing, implementing and rigorously evaluating the effectiveness and transferability of an innovative three-stage model for online professional support and expertise
• To systematically address the complex ethical, professional and technical issues associated with using online technology to assist suicide reduction
• To increase worker competency (knowledge and skills) in the areas of suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention
• To increase worker competency (knowledge and skills) in dealing with people at-risk of suicide.

The specific research objectives of this project are to:

• Develop, implement and critically evaluate the effectiveness of a web-based online support model in enhancing professional development opportunities and improving staff retention of rural suicide workers addressing suicide in their daily practice
• Determine the effectiveness of online support systems to alleviate problems of support and access, and assist rural workers addressing suicide in their daily practice to apply their professional knowledge to benefit their clients
• Further develop and critically evaluate the online support model and the efficacy of web-based service delivery, including the transferability of the model into other contexts
• Refine the model and the project methodology and activities as necessary to ensure that they are meeting the diverse needs of the collaborating organisations and rural workers
• Increase fundamental knowledge and expand the limited literature in the field of online professional support and development by producing case studies, findings and conclusions about the value of the model
• Make recommendations for future research, policy development and the provision of online support systems for rural and remote workers addressing suicide in their daily practice

For more information about ACROSSnet, click on one of the links in the 'About ACROSSnet' menu on the left.