Predicting suicide risk among military veterans using civilian health records
Official title: Predicting firearm suicide in military veterans outside the VA health system using linked civilian electronic health record data
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11049197 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to find out what factors might lead to suicide, especially by firearm, among military veterans who aren't using VA healthcare services, so we can better identify and help those at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $711,764 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH129433-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11049197 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are military veterans who are 21 years or older and have received healthcare outside of the Veterans Health Administration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are currently receiving care exclusively through the Veterans Health Administration may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to understand and predict the risk of suicide, particularly by firearm, among military veterans who do not use Veterans Health Administration (VHA) services. By analyzing a large database of civilian electronic health records, the study will identify unique health conditions and risk factors that contribute to suicide in this population. The goal is to develop predictive algorithms that can help in early identification and intervention for veterans at risk. This approach focuses on veterans' healthcare experiences outside the VHA, which have been largely overlooked in previous research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies and interventions that significantly reduce suicide rates among military veterans.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been significant research on veteran suicide within the VHA, this approach of using civilian health records to predict suicide risk in veterans is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Swanson, Jeffrey W — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Swanson, Jeffrey W
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.