Work

Effect of Crisis Response Planning on Patient Mood and Clinician Decision Making: A Clinical Trial With Suicidal U.S. Soldiers

Year: 2017

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The study examined the immediate effect of crisis interventions on the emotional state of acutely suicidal soldiers and clinician decision making. METHODS: Soldiers (N=97) presenting to a military emergency department or behavioral health clinic were randomly assigned to receive a contract for safety (N=32), standard crisis response plan (S-CRP; N=32), or enhanced crisis response plan (E-CRP; N=33). Soldiers completed self-report scales before and after the intervention. Clinicians blinded to treatment group assignment rated participants' suicide risk level and made a decision about inpatient psychiatric admission. RESULTS: Larger reductions in negative emotional states occurred in S-CRP and E-CRP. Larger increases in positive emotional states occurred in E-CRP. Clinician suicide risk ratings did not differ across treatment groups. Participants in E-CRP were less likely to be psychiatrically admitted. CONCLUSIONS: The CRP immediately reduces negative emotional states among acutely suicidal soldiers. Discussing a patient's reasons for living during a CRP also reduces the likelihood of inpatient psychiatric admission.

Source: Psychiatric Services

DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.201700157