Veteran suicide prevention learning collaborative: implementation strategy and processes.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Veterans Affairs
• Suicide Prevention

Background:

• The majority of Veteran suicides in 2021 involved individuals not recently engaged with Veterans Health Administration (VA) services.
• A public health approach is central to the VA National Strategy for Preventing Veteran Suicide.
• The VA Patient Safety Center of Inquiry-Suicide Prevention Collaborative initiated a learning collaborative for Veteran suicide prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the structure and implementation processes of the VA COmmunity LeArning CollaboraTive (CO-ACT).
• To support community agencies serving Veterans in implementing evidence-based suicide prevention strategies.
• To outline the components of the CO-ACT toolkit and action plan for organizational change.

Main Methods:

• The VA COmmunity LeArning CollaboraTive (CO-ACT) utilizes a quality improvement framework.
• A facilitative process guides community organizations in adopting suicide prevention best practices.
• Key components include an organizational self-assessment, recommendations, a blueprint for change, and an action plan.

Main Results:

• The paper describes the detailed structure of the CO-ACT program.
• It outlines the processes for implementing suicide prevention practices within community agencies.
• Pilot outcomes of CO-ACT are detailed in a separate publication.

Conclusions:

• The CO-ACT program provides a structured approach for community agencies to enhance Veteran suicide prevention efforts.
• Implementation involves a comprehensive toolkit and action planning to integrate evidence-based strategies.
• This collaborative model aims to improve the reach and effectiveness of suicide prevention services for Veterans.