Identifying suicide risk in jails using data and automation

Project 3: Suicide Risk Identification in Jails using Data Linkage and Automation

NIH-funded research Michigan State University · NIH-10909140

This study is working to help jails better spot people who might be at risk for suicide when they arrive, by using health records and insurance information to create a helpful alert system for medical staff.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMichigan State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (East Lansing, United States)
Project IDNIH-10909140 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to improve the identification of individuals at risk for suicide when they are booked into jails. It seeks to replicate a successful method used in community health systems that utilizes electronic health records and insurance claims data to create a risk score. By integrating Medicaid claims data with jail populations, the project will develop a model to alert medical personnel about potential suicide risks at the time of intake. The effectiveness of this new identification process will be compared to current practices in jails, which often lack standardization.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are entering jails and may be at risk for suicide.

Not a fit: Patients who are not involved in the criminal justice system or who are not entering jails may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better detection of suicide risks in jails, potentially saving lives.

How similar studies have performed: Similar approaches in community health systems have shown success in identifying suicide risks, suggesting potential for this method in jails.

Where this research is happening

East Lansing, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.