Impact of Digital Safety Plan Activation on Subsequent Emergency Departments Visits Following an Initial Suicide Attempt: Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Background: Suicide is a significant global public health concern. Individuals with suicidal behaviors often seek help in emergency departments (ED), making mental health providers critical to suicide prevention. Brief interventions such as safety planning are essential in these settings. However, there is a limited understanding of how mobile digital safety planning apps can aid in secondary suicide prevention.

Objective: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a digital safety plan, delivered through the MeMind app, in reducing ED visits associated with suicidal behavior (ie, suicidal ideation or attempt).

Methods: A one-year follow-up was conducted for individuals who presented to the ED for an index event of suicidal behavior (N=78). Participants were provided with a digital safety plan on their mobile devices and instructed to activate it during future suicidal crises.

Results: At follow-up, participants who activated the digital safety plan showed a 50% lower likelihood of returning to the ED, when compared to those who did not activate it.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that digital safety planning may serve as a scalable and accessible intervention with the potential to significantly contribute to suicide prevention efforts.