Focused suicide prevention for youth in emergency departments
Focused Suicide Prevention Strategy for Youth Presenting to the Emergency Department With Suicide Related Behaviour: A Multi-site Randomized Controlled Trial
NA · The Hospital for Sick Children · NCT06225661
This study is testing a new suicide prevention program for teens aged 12 to 17 who come to the emergency room feeling suicidal, to see if it helps them feel safer and supported better than standard care.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 330 (estimated) |
| Ages | 12 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The Hospital for Sick Children (other) |
| Locations | 4 sites (Calgary, Alberta and 3 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06225661 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of a patient- and family-centered suicide prevention intervention for adolescents aged 12 to 17 who present to the Emergency Department with suicidal ideation or behaviors. The intervention, known as SAFE + UC, is compared to enhanced usual care, which includes telephone navigation support. The study aims to enroll 330 high-risk youth across multiple Canadian sites to determine if the intervention can significantly reduce suicide-related behaviors over a 6-week period. The program also addresses family dynamics to improve communication and support.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 12 to 17 who present to the Emergency Department with significant suicidal ideation or behaviors.
Not a fit: Patients with current psychosis, severe intellectual disabilities, or autism may not benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce suicide-related behaviors in at-risk youth, potentially saving lives.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in similar interventions for suicide prevention, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Youth presenting in the Emergency Department with SIQ-Jr score ≥ 31, * Has a participating parent or caregiver who is able to communicate easily in English, or is willing to communicate using a hospital-organized translator, * Between the ages 12-17 years old, * Living in the catchment area of one of the three hospital sites and access to a telephone. Exclusion Criteria: * Score of 3 on KSADS screen for current psychosis or elevated mood * Moderate to severe intellectual disability, and/or autism based on clinical chart.
Where this trial is running
Calgary, Alberta and 3 other locations
- Alberta Children's Hospital - Alberta Health Services & University of Calgary — Calgary, Alberta, Canada (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
- McMaster Children's Hospital - Hamilton Health Sciences — Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (RECRUITING)
- Trillium Health Partners — Mississauga, Ontario, Canada (RECRUITING)
- The Hospital for Sick Children — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Daphne Korczak, MD
- Email: daphne.korczak@sickkids.ca
- Phone: 416-813-8923
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Suicide, Suicide Prevention, Suicidal Ideation, Self-Injurious Behavior, Behavioral Symptoms, Suicide, Attempted, Suicide and Self-harm