Citation

Britton PC, Kopacz MS, Stephens B, Bossarte RM. Arch. Suicide Res. 2015; 20(3): 314-322.

Affiliation

US Department of Veterans Affairs , Washington , DC.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, International Academy of Suicide Research, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13811118.2015.1017681

PMID

26649615

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study examines differences between Veterans with and without prior Veterans Health Administration service use who received a clinical referral from the Veterans' Crisis Line.

METHODS: Differences between groups were identified using data taken from 13,444 calls and medical records.

RESULTS: Approximately 91% of Veterans had a history of service use and 9% did not. Callers with prior service use were older, had more mental health disorders, made in-person contact more quickly, and used more outpatient mental healthcare. Those without prior service use were younger, had more mental health problems, and presented for care later. Callers with suicide-related diagnoses had high rates of service contact.

CONCLUSION: These groups represent different subpopulations with unique healthcare needs and practices.

Language: en