Suicide and Self-harm
Conditions
Keywords
Suicide Nomenclature
Brief summary
The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether a new standardized language for categorizing suicidal and self-injury related thoughts and behaviors can be readily adopted for use by mental health clinicians. Efforts also include developing a measure that can be used to help clinicians identify appropriate terms (e.g., behaviors) for specific patients.
Detailed description
In recent years, suicide prevention has received increased focus within the VA. This is in part related to concerns regarding the mental health and associated suicide risk of Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom military personnel, and a recent study highlighting the increased risk of death by suicide for members of the veteran population. Suicide prevention initiatives could be greatly enhanced if a clinically feasible uniform language regarding suicidality and self-injury was readily available and adopted throughout the VA system. With this goal in mind, the Self-Directed Violence Classification System (SDVCS) and Clinical Tool were developed based upon the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) nomenclature and VA VISN-19 MIRECC's work in this area. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether a new standardized language for categorizing suicidal and self-injury related thoughts and behaviors can be readily adopted for use by mental health clinicians. Efforts also include developing a measure that can be used to help clinicians identify appropriate terms (e.g., behaviors) for specific patients.
Interventions
OTHEREducation
75-minute training teaching utilization of new standardized suicide nomenclature
Sponsors
VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System
Study design
Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Suicide Prevention Coordinator team members at Denver or Grand Junction VA Medical Center * Mental Health leadership at Denver or Grand Junction VA Medical Center * Mental Health professionals at Denver or Grand Junction VA Medical Center
Exclusion criteria
* Failure to sign appropriate informed consent * MIRECC staff members
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Proportion of clinicians utilizing nomenclature | 6 months | Clinician chart notes will be reviewed to determine use of standardized nomenclature. Among those clinicians utilizing the nomenclature, accurate use will also be assessed. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Analysis of qualitative focus group data | 6 months | Qualitative evaluation of organizational- and provider-level factors associated with implementation |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed