SAFEGUARD Phase 2 Pathfinding Study to Prevent Suicide Among Soldiers Discharged From Psychiatric Hospitalization

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of Pathfinding, a 6-month telehealth case management program, to reduce suicidal behaviors among active-duty Regular Army soldiers recently discharged from inpatient psychiatric treatment. This study focuses on soldiers across the U.S. transitioning back to the community, comparing the Pathfinding intervention plus Treatment As Usual (TAU) versus TAU alone. The goal is to determine if Pathfinding lowers suicide-related behaviors and to identify which soldiers benefit most from it. The Pathfinding intervention is delivered remotely by trained mental health professionals called "Guides" and integrates two evidence-based case management programs tailored for active-duty soldiers. It includes initial sessions focused on orientation, support person involvement, goal setting, and resource identification, followed by brief monitoring contacts over 6 months. Participants may involve a support person during some sessions. The comparison group receives the Army's standard post-discharge care, which includes discharge planning, risk assessment, and follow-up appointments. Participants complete a baseline assessment soon after discharge, followed by follow-up assessments at 6 and 12 months to report suicide-related events and other outcomes. Researchers will also review participants' electronic healthcare and Army administrative data during these periods. The primary outcome is suicide-related behaviors within 12 months after baseline. Secondary outcomes include suicide attempts, rehospitalization, non-suicide death, risky behaviors, suicide ideation, and psychological resilience. The study monitors safety and progress through electronic health record documentation throughout.

Evaluation of a Telehealth Case Management Intervention to Prevent Suicide Among Soldiers Discharged From Psychiatric Hospitalization