Suchergebnisse

Abstract. Background: The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) health-care system utilizes a multilevel suicide prevention intervention that features the use of standardized safety plans with veterans considered to be at high risk for suicide. Aims: Little is known about clinician perceptions on the value of safety planning with veterans at high risk for suicide. Method: Audio-recorded interviews with 29 VHA behavioral health treatment providers in a southeastern city were transcribed and analyzed using qualitative methodology. Results: Clinical providers consider safety planning feasible, acceptable, and valuable to veterans at high risk for suicide owing to the collaborative and interactive nature of the intervention. Providers identified the types of veterans who easily engaged in safety planning and those who may experience more difficulty with the process. Conclusion: Additional research with VHA providers in other locations and with veteran consumers is needed.

Abstract. Background: Crisis support services have historically been offered by phone-based suicide prevention hotlines, but are increasingly becoming available through alternative modalities, including Internet chat and text messaging. Aims: To better understand differences in the use of phone and chat/text services. Method: We conducted semistructured interviews with call responders at the Veterans Crisis Line who utilize multimodal methods to respond to veterans in crisis. Results: Responders indicated that veterans may access the chat/text service primarily for reasons that included a desire for anonymity and possible inability to use the phone. Responders were divided on whether callers and chatters presented with different issues or risk of suicide; however, they suggested that veterans frequently use chat/text to make their first contact with mental health services. Limitations: We spoke with call responders, not the veterans themselves. Additionally, as this is qualitative research, applicability to other settings may be limited. Conclusion: While new platforms offer promise, participants also indicated that chat services can supplement phone lines, but not replace them.