Suicide prevention follow-up outcomes differ by age in RCT
The SPARC randomized clinical trial compared instrumental support calls (ISC) versus two-way Caring Contacts texts (CC) as follow-up care for adolescents and adults who screened at risk for suicide in emergency departments and primary care clinics. At 6 months, adults receiving CC had significantly higher suicidal ideation/behavior scores than those receiving ISC, while adolescent outcomes were similar between conditions; at 12 months, adolescents receiving CC had significantly lower scores than those receiving ISC, while adult outcomes were similar. The authors concluded that optimal suicide prevention follow-up may vary by age, with adolescents benefiting most from longer-term connection-focused CC and adults benefiting most from more intensive early instrumental support via ISC.
Most relevant for: Adolescents and adults identified as at risk for suicide through screening in emergency department or primary care settings.
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