SAFETY-Parent: Online Learning Module to Support Parents of Suicidal Youth

Launched by JENNIFER HUGHES · Jun 11, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This study is testing SAFETY-Parent (SAFETY-P), an online, self-paced learning module for parents of youths aged 10–18 who are being treated for suicidal thoughts or behaviors. It’s conducted at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. In Phase 2, 10 families will try SAFETY-P in addition to usual youth care. In Phase 3, a smaller, pilot randomized trial will compare SAFETY-P plus treatment as usual (TAU) to TAU alone in about 30 youth–parent pairs. Researchers will measure things like how satisfied parents are, how much they use the online modules, and several youth and family safety and mental health outcomes. Results are not available yet, and the study is currently enrolling by invitation, with completion expected in 2025.

Who can join and what to expect: youth must be in the CATC program at NCH for suicidal thoughts or behaviors and be between 10 and 18 years old, with at least one parent able to participate and both needing to speak English. Participants will have visits or surveys at baseline, about 1 month, and about 3 months. They will complete various questionnaires about mood, thoughts of suicide, family and caregiver stress, emotion regulation, and use of mental health services. The study uses independent assessors who don’t know which group participants are in. If you’re considering taking part, you’ll receive TAU in either case, but the SAFETY-P group will also get access to the online parent module. This research aims to inform a larger future trial and how best to support families during a youth suicide crisis.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• For Phase 1 interviews and focus groups:
• • 1. Youth or young adults (\<25 years) with prior suicidal ideation or suicide attempts; parents whose child had a history of suicidal ideation and/or suicide attempt before age 18; medical or behavioral health provider of suicidal youth; and parents whose child died from suicide before age 18
• For Phase 2 and the Phase 3:
• • 1. Youth is currently in treatment with the Critical Assessment and Treatment Clinic (CATC) at NCH for suicidal thoughts or behaviors
• • 2. Youth is between the ages of 10-18 (18-year-old youth must still be in high school and living at home with parents for duration of the study)
• • 3. At least one parent is able to participate
• • 4. Youth and parent are fluent in English
• Exclusion Criteria:
• For all four Phase 1 groups:
• • 1. Cannot read or speak English (given focus group to be conducted in English
• For Phase 2 and Phase 3 participants:
• • 1. The youth or parent has an acute psychiatric or medical condition that would interfere with their ability to participate in study procedures
• • 2. Lack of access to a digital device (smartphone, iPad, tablet computer, desktop, laptop PC)