Interventions to reduce short-term suicide risk after hospitalization
Official title: Micro-randomized Trial to Assess Brief, Just-in-time Interventions for Reducing Short-term Suicide Risk
Run by Massachusetts General Hospital · NCT05793541 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing new ways to help adults who were recently hospitalized for suicidal thoughts by using their smartphones to check in on their feelings and provide support when they need it.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 185 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Massachusetts General Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 19, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2026 |
| Registry record updated | October 23, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05793541 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults who have experienced suicidal thoughts during their inpatient stay and have access to a smartphone post-discharge.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with significant cognitive impairments or those unable to understand the study due to severe mental health symptoms may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study tests just-in-time intervention strategies designed to enhance the use of safety plans among adults recently hospitalized for suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Participants will respond to surveys about their suicidal thoughts via smartphone, receiving tailored interventions based on their current level of distress. The study aims to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of these interventions, their immediate effects, and the contextual factors that may influence their effectiveness. By leveraging mobile technology, the study seeks to optimize the implementation of safety plans in real-world settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the risk of suicide in individuals recently discharged from psychiatric care.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using mobile technology for suicide prevention, but this specific approach is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Experiencing suicidal thoughts as part of their inpatient admission * Access to a smartphone following discharge * Ability to speak and write English fluently Exclusion Criteria: * Any factor that impairs the ability to effectively participate in the study (e.g., significant cognitive impairment, intellectual disability, presence of violent behavior, psychotic illness/symptoms determined by the treating clinician to impair ability to understand the study or provide informed consent) * Failure to correctly answer all true/false questions in the consent form
Where it's running
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Mass General Brigham
Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Kate Bentley, PhD
- Email: kbentley@mgh.harvard.edu
- Phone: 617-724-7741
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.