Suicide Classification System

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether a new standardized language for categorizing suicidal and self-injury related thoughts and behaviors can be readily adopted for use by mental health clinicians. Efforts also include developing a measure that can be used to help clinicians identify appropriate terms (e.g., behaviors) for specific patients.

Detailed Description
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In recent years, suicide prevention has received increased focus within the VA. This is in part related to concerns regarding the mental health and associated suicide risk of Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom military personnel, and a recent study highlighting the increased risk of death by suicide for members of the veteran population. Suicide prevention initiatives could be greatly enhanced if a clinically feasible uniform language regarding suicidality and self-injury was readily available and adopted throughout the VA system. With this goal in mind, the Self-Directed Violence Classification System (SDVCS) and Clinical Tool were developed based upon the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) nomenclature and VA VISN-19 MIRECC's work in this area. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether a new standardized language for categorizing suicidal and self-injury related thoughts and behaviors can be readily adopted for use by mental health clinicians. Efforts also include developing a measure that can be used to help clinicians identify appropriate terms (e.g., behaviors) for specific patients.

Official Title
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Suicide Classification System

Conditions
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Suicide and Self-harm

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Education


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Suicide Prevention Coordinator team members at Denver or Grand Junction VA Medical Center Mental Health leadership at Denver or Grand Junction VA Medical Center Mental Health professionals at Denver or Grand Junction VA Medical Center Exclusion Criteria: Failure to sign appropriate informed consent MIRECC staff members

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Mental Health Clinicians<br>MH Clinicians at the Denver and Grand Junction VA Medical Centers | Other: Education<br>* 75-minute training teaching utilization of new standardized suicide nomenclature<br>* Other names: Nomenclature Training;|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Proportion of clinicians utilizing nomenclature | Clinician chart notes will be reviewed to determine use of standardized nomenclature. Among those clinicians utilizing the nomenclature, accurate use will also be assessed. | 6 months | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Analysis of qualitative focus group data | Qualitative evaluation of organizational- and provider-level factors associated with implementation | 6 months | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Suicide Nomenclature