Home Safety Intervention

Launched by VA OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT · Jan 10, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, called the Home Safety Intervention, is studying ways to help reduce the risk of suicide among Veterans by making it harder for them to access methods of self-harm, like firearms and certain medications. The goal is to test a new program designed specifically for Veterans who are at a higher risk of suicide and who visit healthcare facilities like emergency departments or outpatient clinics. This study is important because it aims to provide tailored support for those who need it most.

To be eligible for the trial, participants need to be at least 17 years old and have visited a VA health facility without being admitted to the hospital. They must also show signs of possible suicide risk and report having access to firearms or certain medications. Participants can expect to receive support through remote interventions, such as phone or video calls, to help improve their safety at home. The study is currently recruiting participants of all genders, and it's important to note that some individuals may not qualify if they have certain health conditions or lack reliable access to communication.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Encounter at VHA ED or urgent care setting, outpatient mental health, women's health, or primary care
• • -\>17 years
• • Discharged home from the encounter (rather than hospital admission)
• • Positive Columbia Screener
• • Patient-reported access to self-owned firearms and/or medications
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Unable to consent due to cognitive impairment, severity of illness (including psychiatric symptoms), intoxication with drugs and/or alcohol
• • Unreliable telephone access
• • Unreliable video access (because remote intervention)
• • Those currently experiencing unsheltered homelessness
• • No mailing address
• • Active opioid or stimulant use disorder
• • Active alcohol use disorder with daily alcohol consumption