Digital safety plan effectiveness and use: Findings from a three-month longitudinal study

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Digital Health
• Mental Health Interventions

Background:

• Smartphone apps for suicide safety planning are increasingly used but understudied.
• Effectiveness of self-guided digital tools for suicide prevention requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the Beyond Now smartphone app for suicide safety planning.
• To examine the impact of app usage and safety plan characteristics on suicidal ideation and coping.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 610 users of the Beyond Now app with a history of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
• Data collection via surveys at baseline, one, and three months, including app usage and safety plan details.
• Statistical analysis using repeated-measures ANOVAs and multiple regression models.

Main Results:

• Significant reductions in suicidal ideation and increases in suicide-related coping were observed over three months.
• Higher perceived usefulness and personalized content of safety plans were associated with improved coping.
• App usage time and co-authoring safety plans did not significantly impact outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Self-guided smartphone apps can effectively reduce suicidal ideation and enhance coping skills.
• Personalized and perceived useful safety plan strategies are key to improving mental health outcomes.
• Digital mental health tools offer a promising avenue for suicide prevention interventions.