https://aub.ie/MilitaryREACH-Matthieu2023

Matthieu, M. M., Morissette, S. B., Clafferty, S., Degutis, L., Oliver, C. M., Adkins, D. A., & DeBeer, B. B. (2023). Veteran experiences with suicide ideation, suicide attempt, and social support in safety planning within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Military Medicine, usad144. https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usad144

Safety planning is required for all Veterans who have been discharged from emergency departments or psychiatric inpatient units at Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities. For this study, 29 VHA-enrolled Veterans who experienced suicidal ideation or attempts were interviewed about the creation and use of a safety plan, as well as the most and least useful aspects of safety plans. 14 Veterans had a safety plan in their health record; 15 Veterans could not recall creating a safety plan*. Overall, safety plans were most useful when they a) were individualized, b) identified and involved supportive people, and c) described potentially triggering scenarios with specific coping strategies. Note. Veterans in the sample were seeking VHA outpatient mental health services. It is possible that they received previous care for suicidal ideation and/or attempts outside the VHA.

https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usad144

Veterans

Army
Navy
Marine Corps
Air Force
Multiple branches

Veteran
Reserve
Guard

Veteran
Guard/Reserve member

Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)

Qualitative Study

Matthieu, Monica M., Morissette, Sandra B., Clafferty, Stephanie, Degutis, Linda, Oliver, Ciara M., Adkins, David A., DeBeer, Bryann B.

This evaluation examined the role of safety plans, one of a host of clinical suicide prevention interventions available for veterans through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs’ national network of health care facilities managed by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).Interviews were conducted with veterans who had experienced suicidal ideation or a suicide attempt since enrolling in the Department of Veterans Affairs health care system (N = 29). Topics included negative life experiences, triggers for suicidal ideation or a suicide attempt, ability to recall and utilize safety plans in crisis, safety plan elements found most and least useful, and improvements to safety planning.Eighteen (62.07%) of the veterans in the sample had attempted suicide. Drug use was by far the most triggering and overdose was the most negative life event to subsequent ideation or attempt. Although all at-risk veterans should have a safety plan, only 13 (44.38%) created a safety plan, whereas 15 (51.72%) could not recall ever creating a safety plan with their provider. Among those who did recall making a safety plan, identifying warning signs was the most remembered portion. The most useful safety plan elements were: recognizing warning signs, supportive people and distracting social settings, names and numbers of professionals, giving the veteran personal coping strategies, options for using the plan, and keeping their environment safe. For some veterans, safety plans were seen as insufficient, undesirable, not necessary, or lacking a guarantee. The suggested improvements included involving concerned significant others, specific actions to take in a crisis, and potential barriers and alternatives.Safety planning is a critical component in suicide prevention within the VHA. However, future research is needed to ensure safety plans are accessible, implemented, and useful to veterans when in crisis.

Oxford Academic

Article
REACH Publication

School of Social Work, Saint Louis University, MMM
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, , Central Arkansas Veterans Affairs Health Care System, HSR&D Center of Innovation: Center for Mental Healthcare & Outcomes Research, MMM
Department of Psychology, One UTSA Circle, The University of Texas at San Antonio, SBM
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Central Texas Veterans Affairs Health Care System, SC
Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, LD
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, , Central Arkansas Veterans Affairs Health Care System, HSR&D Center of Innovation: Center for Mental Healthcare & Outcomes Research, CMO
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, , Central Arkansas Veterans Affairs Health Care System, HSR&D Center of Innovation: Center for Mental Healthcare & Outcomes Research, DAA
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Eastern Colorado Veterans Affairs Health Care System, VA Rocky Mountain MIRECC for Suicide Prevention, BBD
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, BBD