Characterizing Veterans Crisis Line callers and regional follow-up efforts

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Mental Health Services
• Quality Improvement

Background:

• The Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) provides 24/7 national support for Veterans.
• Local suicide prevention efforts require understanding VCL call characteristics and outcomes.
• The VA Puget Sound Health Care System initiated a quality improvement project to analyze VCL calls.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) calls and their outcomes at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System.
• To identify factors influencing risk assessment and immediate evaluation following VCL calls.
• To inform local suicide prevention strategies based on VCL call data.

Main Methods:

• A quality improvement project analyzed 344 Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) calls.
• Data was extracted from VCL responder documentation and local Suicide Prevention Team records.
• Call characteristics, risk assessments, and follow-up outcomes were documented.

Main Results:

• Most callers were assessed as low-to-moderate risk.
• Suicidal ideation (SI) calls were more likely assessed as high-risk by VCL responders.
• Calls concerning SI, physical health, or weekends were more likely to result in immediate evaluation.
• 17% of calls without initial SI reported SI at follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Suicidal ideation can fluctuate rapidly and requires continuous assessment.
• Local Suicide Prevention Teams need training on the dynamic nature of SI.
• Understanding VCL call patterns can enhance local suicide prevention efforts for Veterans.