Clinical Research Directory

Technology-assisted Methods to Advance Suicide Prevention Among Youth in Colombia

This study will investigate a multi-level approach that applies technology-assisted methods to reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors (SIB) and promote mental health among Colombian youth: (a) digital platform for youth; (b) digital platform for teachers; and (c) hybrid mental health training diploma program for teachers. This approach will evaluate an open-access digital platform for suicide prevention among Colombian youth. Key features of the digital platform include mental health self-help tools, a customizable safety plan, links to online counseling services, and gamification elements. The digital platform's teacher interface will incorporate psychoeducation, brief suicide-risk screening and decision support tools to enhance teacher capacity to assess risk for suicide and refer youth to the appropriate level of services. Study investigators will conduct a hybrid-type 1 implementation-effectiveness stepped wedge pilot trial design to evaluate the digital platform and hybrid mental health teacher training program implemented within secondary schools in Bogota, Colombia. Study aims are to: Aim 1. An initial needs assessment will be conducted with key stakeholders (youth, teachers, caregivers, school administrators) to identify barriers and facilitators to successful implementation of the multi-level approach. User-centered design methods will be used to refine the digital platform and incorporate end-user feedback into the final prototype. Aim 2. Investigators will evaluate: (a) feasibility, acceptability, and usability of the digital platform across three schools in Colombia; and (b) the preliminary effects of the digital platform in reducing SIB and improving mood (e.g., anxiety/depression) among Colombian youth aged 14-19 attending the three schools. Safety planning skills acquisition (youth-level) and linkages to mental health services (service-level) will be assessed as potential mechanisms of change. Aim 3. The study will apply a multi-disciplinary capacity building model to strengthen behavioral health and implementation science research, healthcare delivery capacity, and mental health policy. In partnership with Pontificia Javeriana University, experts in suicide prevention, data science, and implementation science will be engaged to build in-country research capacity at the individual and institutional level.

The BEAR Program for Women With Trauma Who Have Suicidal Thoughts

The current study aims to test the feasibility of a new form of group therapy for women who have a history of interpersonal trauma and current suicidal ideation. The Building Empowerment and Resilience (BEAR) Therapeutic group has been adapted for women who have experienced trauma and have current suicidal ideation. It incorporates psychological skills, psychoeducation about trauma and gender-based violence, and physical self-defense training, all within a therapeutic process. It will be implemented with women who have experienced interpersonal trauma (physical, sexual, or emotional abuse/neglect) and experience various mental health difficulties, including suicidal ideation. We aim to assess the feasibility to recruit and implement the BEAR group. Our ultimate aim is to assess whether the program can effect self-efficacy and suicidal ideation.

Safety Plan in Emergency Department to Prevent Suicidal Attempt Recidive

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with more than 700 000 deaths due to suicide every year, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). In France, mortality rate by suicide is 17% higher than the European average; moreover, around 7% if the population (aged 18-75 years old) attempted suicide in their life. Since years 2000, a series of preventative interventions have been developed to reduce suicide risk, with perhaps the most widely used is suicide safety planning. Several studies showed positive results after evaluating the efficacy of suicide safety planning for reducing patient risk. However, this intervention hasn't been yet evaluated in French emergency department settings. Safety planning is a collaborative intervention between a therapist and the patient, by which a series of preventive actions are planned in the event patient experiences suicide ideation. Patients are provided with a paper form of the completed safety plan, including the following: personal warning signs, self-management strategies, reasons for living, social supports, and crisis supports. In this study, we aim to assess the feasability and the acceptabilty of using the safety plan among patients hospitalised in a short-term unit, after an emergency department admission for suicidal attempt.