An Implementation Study of Suicide Risk Management Among Discharged Psychiatric Patients

Launched by SHENZHEN KANGNING HOSPITAL · May 26, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how to better manage the risk of suicide among patients who have recently been discharged from psychiatric care. It focuses on using brief contact interventions (BCIs), which are short check-ins with patients to support their mental health. The goal is to find out the most effective frequency for these check-ins and to develop a strategy tailored specifically for patients in China. The study will involve patients who have been diagnosed with serious mental health conditions, like depression or psychotic symptoms, and their family members, as well as healthcare providers.

To be eligible, participants need to be at least 18 years old, have been hospitalized for at least three days, and be able to use a smartphone for communication. Those who join will be randomly assigned to receive the check-ins at different frequencies, and researchers will follow up on their mental health at various points over the year after discharge. This study aims not only to assess the effectiveness of the intervention but also to gather insights from the community about how to best implement these strategies. It's an important step in improving support for patients at high risk of suicide after leaving the hospital.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion criteria:
• • 1. For patients in the SMART trial and qualitative interviews
• • Being 18 years and above;
• • Being diagnosed with psychotic symptoms or MDD;
• • Having received in-patient care for three days or more;
• • Living in Shenzhen and having no plan to leave Shenzhen in the following 12 months after discharge;
• • Being able to read text messages, answer phone calls on mobile phones, use WeChat or any application on smart phones.
• • 2. For lay health care supporters (LHSs) in qualitative interviews
• • Being 18 years and above;
• • Being without any diagnosis of mental disorder;
• • Being the lay health care supporter in the family;
• • Living in Shenzhen and having no plan to leave Shenzhen in the following 12 months after discharge;
• • Being able to read text messages, answer phone calls on mobile phones, use WeChat or any application on smart phones.
• • 3. For the clinic and community mental health service providers in qualitative interviews
• • Being 18 years and above;
• • Having practiced in mental health service at least for 12 months.
• • Exclusion criteria for patients in the SMART trial and qualitative interviews
• • Unable to provide written consent due to any cognitive problems.
• • Being discharged by the patient's or LHSs' demand against medical advice.
• • With no ID, no stable residence nor any source of income.