Developing a Brief Suicide Prevention Intervention and Mobile Phone Application: a Qualitative Report

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Adolescent Psychology
• Digital Health

Background:

• Suicide is a critical public health issue, being the second leading cause of death in adolescents.
• There is a significant gap in research concerning effective strategies to reduce suicide reattempts among young people.
• Developing targeted interventions is crucial for adolescent suicide prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore perspectives from clinicians, parents, and adolescents on developing interventions for adolescent suicide prevention.
• To identify key components for a targeted intervention and a safety plan mobile application.
• To inform the design of a novel digital tool for suicide prevention in youth.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative interviews were conducted with key stakeholders: clinicians, parents, and adolescents.
• The study focused on gathering insights into treatment needs and preferences for suicide prevention strategies.
• This phase one research aimed to inform the development of a safety plan smartphone application.

Main Results:

• Participants emphasized the importance of transition of care, specific treatment targets, and safety planning in adolescent treatment.
• All interviewed groups, including adolescents, clinicians, and parents, expressed strong support for utilizing a smartphone application.
• Key themes identified include the need for accessible, technology-based support for suicide prevention.

Conclusions:

• Adolescent suicide prevention efforts should incorporate patient and caregiver perspectives.
• Smartphone applications show promise as a viable platform for delivering suicide prevention interventions and safety planning tools.
• Future interventions should focus on integrated care, tailored treatment, and digital safety planning for at-risk youth.