Citation

Ammerman BA, Gebhardt HM, Lee J, Tucker RP, Matarazzo BB, Reger MA. Arch. Suicide Res. 2019; ePub(ePub): 1-12.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, International Academy of Suicide Research, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13811118.2019.1632231

PMID

31213148

Abstract

Objective: The Caring Contacts suicide prevention intervention has been promoted by the Joint Commission, given its effectiveness, high reach, and cost effectiveness. Despite its increased application, no study has examined whether patient characteristics influence perceptions of the intervention, which may inform implementation efforts and ultimately impact effectiveness. Methods: One hundred fifty-four veterans were recruited from a Veterans Affairs psychiatric inpatient unit. Participants completed a survey to provide feedback on preferences, including the message correspondent, format (e.g., postcard, email), the importance of handwriting (vs. typed), visual presentation, and schedule for mailings. Results: Results demonstrated that Caring Contacts preferences did not differ by most variables, including military rank, combat deployment history, or most personal technology use characteristics. Some demographic differences were identified, especially by age. More older veterans preferred messages to be sent in a physical letter compared to younger veterans, but if messages were sent via postal mail, younger veterans had a stronger preference for messages to be hand-written and sent using real stamps and colorful envelopes. Conclusions: Overall, findings suggest that few Caring Contact adaptations are needed based on patient characteristics. Programs targeting older cohorts should consider postal mail formats for Caring Contacts.

Language: en