Improving suicide prevention in emergency departments

Signature Project

NIH-funded research University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10895388

This study is looking at ways to make suicide prevention help better for people who come to the emergency room feeling suicidal, so they can get the right support and care after they leave.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-10895388 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of suicide prevention interventions in emergency departments (EDs) by implementing evidence-based practices tailored for high-risk patients. The project aims to engage patients who visit EDs due to suicidal thoughts or behaviors and ensure they receive appropriate follow-up care. By collaborating with a diverse team of researchers and healthcare professionals, the study seeks to optimize the delivery of interventions like the Safety Planning Intervention and follow-up services. The goal is to reduce the risk of suicide among individuals who may not otherwise seek outpatient mental health treatment after their ED visit.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have recently visited an emergency department with suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

Not a fit: Patients who are not at risk for suicide or who do not visit emergency departments will not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly lower suicide rates among patients who present to emergency departments.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in implementing similar suicide prevention interventions in healthcare settings, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, 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 2026-06-13 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.