Using telehealth to improve suicide prevention in emergency departments
Telehealth to Improve Prevention of Suicide in EDs
This study tests whether using telehealth services in emergency departments can help patients at risk of suicide get better care and support from mental health specialists.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 44000 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Massachusetts, Worcester Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Worcester, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT04800029 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of telehealth services in enhancing access to behavioral health specialists and improving the quality of suicide-related care in emergency departments (EDs). It focuses on patients presenting with suicide risk, comparing outcomes between EDs that implement telehealth interventions and those that do not. The study employs a hybrid effectiveness-implementation design, incorporating both a time series analysis and a randomized comparative effectiveness trial to assess the impact of these interventions on patient care and system metrics.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old who present to the ED with a positive suicide risk screening or are deemed in need of a mental health evaluation.
Not a fit: Patients under 18 years of age or those residing outside of Massachusetts may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve the quality of care for patients at risk of suicide, leading to better outcomes and reduced hospitalizations.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using telehealth for mental health interventions, indicating potential success for this approach in suicide prevention.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age \> 18 years old * Adults presenting to ED who either screen positive on the universal suicide risk screener completed at triage or those who the ED treating team decides should have a mental health evaluation * Research sample limited to those who live in Massachusetts Exclusion Criteria: * \< 18 years of age * Residing outside Massachusetts
Where this trial is running
Worcester, Massachusetts
- UMass Chan Medical School — Worcester, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Edwin Boudreaux, PhD — UMass Medical School
- Study coordinator: Edwin Boudreaux, PhD
- Email: Edwin.Boudreaux@umassmed.edu
- Phone: 508-3343817
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.