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Safe treatment for emergency presentation for suicidal ideation and behavior (SAFE STEPS): Protocol for randomized
Joan R Asarnow1, David B Goldston2, Anthony Spirito3
1Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 300 Medical Plaza, Suite 1236, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States of America.
This study tested enhanced emergency department care plus follow-up support versus standard care for suicidal youth. Enhanced care improved outcomes, highlighting the value of continued support after discharge.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Emergency Medicine
- Adolescent Psychiatry
Background:
- Suicide is a leading cause of death for US youth (13-24).
- Emergency Department (ED) visits for suicidal ideation/behavior indicate high risk.
- Current ED follow-up care is often inadequate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare two strategies for enhancing emergency care for suicidal youth.
- To determine the effectiveness of extended therapeutic contact post-discharge.
- To improve follow-up treatment and reduce suicide attempts.
Main Methods:
- 1600 adolescents (13-24) with suicidal ideation/attempts participated in a randomized trial.
- Intervention: ED care with safety planning plus 12-month therapeutic contacts (phone/video/text).
- Outcomes: suicide attempts, self-harm, linkage to outpatient mental health care.
Main Results:
- (Results not yet available as this is a trial design description)
Conclusions:
- The trial will clarify the public health impact of post-discharge therapeutic contacts.
- Findings will inform optimal emergency care strategies for suicidal youth.
- This research aims to reduce suicide attempts and improve mental health care access.
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