Study of a 6-Month Remote Case Management Program to Reduce Suicide Risk in Active-Duty Army Soldiers After Psychiatric Hospital Discharge

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate Pathfinding, a 6-month remotely delivered case management intervention designed to reduce suicidal behavior among active-duty Regular Army soldiers who have recently been discharged from inpatient psychiatric treatment. The study compares Pathfinding plus Treatment As Usual TAU to TAU alone, focusing on soldiers transitioning from hospital care back to their communities. The goal is to see if Pathfinding decreases suicide-related behaviors and to identify which soldiers benefit most from this intervention. Participants are randomly assigned to either receive the standard post-discharge care provided by the Army TAU or TAU plus the Pathfinding intervention. Pathfinding is delivered remotely by trained mental health professionals called Guides and includes up to 14 sessions over 6 months, involving the participant and optionally a support person. TAU involves discharge planning, risk assessments, weekly follow-ups during a high-risk period, and ongoing care coordination. The intervention focuses on treatment engagement, social connection, problem-solving, and addressing life needs in areas like legal, financial, housing, and relationships. Participants complete a baseline assessment and follow-up assessments at 6 and 12 months to report on suicide-related outcomes and other health measures. Researchers also review participants electronic healthcare and Army administrative data over the 12 months following baseline. Safety planning and risk assessments are regularly conducted during TAU visits. The study duration extends up to 12 months post-baseline, with data collection emphasizing suicide-related behaviors and related health events.

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