Suicide Prevention In Department of Veterans Affairs Community Care Network Mental Health Settings

Summary

The study is of high importance to Veterans' health because it will study a suicide prevention intervention in a Veteran population that is at high risk of suicide but has not been a specific focus of the Veteran Affairs' (VA's) suicide prevention efforts. Specifically, a growing number of Veterans are now receiving acute mental health treatment in VA-purchased settings (commonly referred to as Community Care). While these Veterans are at high risk of suicide after discharge, very little is known about how to prevent suicide in these Veterans. This study will directly address this problem by looking at whether a promising suicide prevention strategy called the VA Brief Intervention and Contact Program (VA BIC) can decrease the risk of suicide in Veterans after they are discharged from a non-VA mental health treatment setting. The proposed research is highly pertinent to the VA's top clinical priority-to prevent suicide in Veterans.

Description

Eligibility

Age range

18+ years

Sex

All

Healthy volunteers

No

Interventions

• Behavioral
  VA BIC

  VA BIC is a suicide prevention strategy that is designed to meet the needs of Veterans who receive acute psychiatric treatment. VA BIC can be delivered by a trained mental health provider (e.g., mental health nurse, social worker, psychologist, psychiatrist). VA BIC includes two synergistic elements to support the patient after a mental health discharge. The elements include a brief educational session, where the patient receives a one-on-one, one-hour, personalized educational session on suicide prevention. The session incorporates aspects of motivational interviewing. The patient then receives 7 regular follow-up contacts that are conducted by the interventionist. Here the interventionist monitors symptoms, assesses treatment adherence, reviews the safety plan, and assists the patient with engaging in steps to promote their well-being. The sessions incorporate aspects of motivational interviewing. Of note patients in this arm will also receive standard care.

• Other
  Standard Care

  Regardless of study assignment, all patients will have access to standard care provided upon mental health discharge in non-VA settings. VA staff will also follow standard procedures for mitigating risk including placing Veterans on high risk list when clinically appropriate.

Location