Understanding the Trial Results
What Worked?
- The digital therapy helped reduce repeated suicide attempts in patients who had tried to harm themselves before.
- Patients using the digital therapy showed a greater improvement in their mental health than those using the control app.
- Those who completed more sessions of the digital therapy had fewer suicide attempts, suggesting that using the app regularly can make a difference.
What Didn’t Work?
- The digital therapy did not change how long it took for patients to attempt suicide for the first time.
- While suicidal thoughts decreased in the digital group, the control group had a temporary decline in thoughts, but they increased again later.
How Does This Help Patients or Clinics?
- This digital therapy can be a useful tool in hospitals for patients at high risk of suicide.
- It supports ongoing mental health improvement and can help prevent future suicide attempts among those with a history of trying to harm themselves.
Real-World Opportunities
- Hospitals can implement this digital therapy in their suicide prevention programs.
- Doctors can recommend the app to patients before they leave the hospital to continue their care at home.
- Training staff to integrate digital therapy into the treatment plan can enhance patient support.
Measurable Outcomes
- Track the number of follow-up suicide attempts among patients using the digital therapy.
- Monitor changes in suicidal thoughts using assessment tools at regular intervals.
- Assess overall mental health improvement through clinician ratings.
AI Tools
- Consider using AI-driven mental health apps that can provide personalized support and track progress.
- AI chatbots can offer immediate assistance and resources for patients in crisis.
Step-by-Step Plan
- Start Small: Begin by selecting a few patients who are at high risk for suicide to use the digital therapy.
- Train Staff: Provide training for healthcare staff on how to use and recommend the app effectively.
- Monitor Progress: Regularly assess the patients’ suicidal thoughts and attempts to see how well the therapy works.
- Gather Feedback: Collect feedback from patients about their experience with the digital therapy to improve its use.
- Expand Gradually: Based on initial results, expand the use of the digital therapy to more patients.
Link to the Research
For more detailed information about this study, you can visit this link.
