Attempted suicide short intervention program for older adults 65+ (ASSIP-OA): a study protocol for a multicentre...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Older adults (65+) exhibit higher suicide rates globally, yet are underrepresented in prevention research.
• Existing suicide prevention interventions lack specific adaptations for the heterogeneous needs of older adults.
• The Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program (ASSIP) shows promise but requires modification for this demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of ASSIP for Older Adults (ASSIP-OA) as an add-on to Treatment as Usual (TAU) compared to TAU alone in reducing suicidal episodes in individuals aged 65 and above.
• To assess secondary outcomes including psychiatric symptoms, suicidal ideation, coping styles, and quality of life.
• To investigate the feasibility, healthcare utilization, and potential negative effects of the adapted intervention.

Main Methods:

• A multicentre, two-group, parallel, open-label randomized controlled trial.
• Recruitment of 132 participants (65+) following a suicide attempt or hospitalization for serious suicidal plans.
• Comparison of ASSIP-OA (3-5 sessions with adaptations) plus TAU versus TAU alone over a 2-year period.

Main Results:

• Primary outcome: incidence of fatal or non-fatal suicidal episodes.
• Secondary outcomes: changes in psychiatric symptoms, suicidal ideation severity, coping mechanisms, and quality of life.
• Exploratory outcomes: feasibility, healthcare resource use, and adverse events.

Conclusions:

• This study protocol outlines a tailored intervention designed to address the unique needs of suicidal older adults.
• Findings have the potential to inform person-centred care strategies and improve suicide prevention for this vulnerable population.
• The adapted ASSIP-OA intervention may offer a more effective approach to suicide prevention in older adults.