Jaspr App for Suicide Prevention

(Jaspr-PartA Trial)

Overseen By Mhd B Rahmoun, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Massachusetts, Worcester

Disqualifiers: Prisoners, Unable to consent, Under 18, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 7

Duration: 1 day

670 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to test the Jaspr App, a technology designed to help prevent suicide by productively using waiting time in the Emergency Department. Participants will either receive the usual care for those at risk of suicide, known as Enhanced Treatment As Usual (ETAU), or use the Jaspr App, which provides interviews, safety planning, and access to a resource library. Individuals who have experienced suicidal thoughts in the past two weeks or made a suicide attempt in the past six months, and who reside in Massachusetts, may be suitable for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative mental health solutions.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that the Jaspr App is safe for use in suicide prevention?

Research has shown that the Jaspr App, part of the Jaspr Health platform, is designed to help people at risk of suicide. It uses proven methods to assist patients in emergency rooms. Although specific safety data for humans is not mentioned, the app relies on well-established suicide prevention techniques, suggesting it is likely safe to use.

The study on the Jaspr App is not in its early stages, indicating it has already demonstrated some safety in earlier tests. Its focus on improving patient experience and healthcare provider use suggests it is designed to be safe and supportive. However, like any new healthcare technology, monitoring for any issues remains important. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Jaspr App for suicide prevention because it offers a unique, tech-driven approach to support individuals at risk. Unlike standard care options that typically involve in-person evaluations and counseling, the Jaspr App provides a tablet-based platform for guided interventions like the Suicide Status Interview and personalized safety planning. This app also allows patients to access a resource library and opt into the JAH mobile app, offering continuous support and information beyond the clinical setting. By integrating technology with traditional methods, the Jaspr App aims to enhance patient engagement and potentially improve outcomes in suicide prevention.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for suicide prevention?

Research shows that the Jaspr App, along with the JAH mobile app, can significantly enhance suicide prevention efforts. In this trial, one group of participants will receive the Jaspr intervention with enhanced treatment as usual (ETAU), which includes a guided Suicide Status Interview, Safety Planning, and Lethal Means Counseling on the Jaspr tablet-based app, followed by open access to the Jaspr resource library. Another group will receive ETAU alone, involving the usual care for patients at risk of suicide. Previous studies have shown that hospitals using the Jaspr Health platform performed better than those relying on their usual care methods. This digital tool quickly disseminates proven practices, benefiting both patients and healthcare providers. It also boosts providers' confidence and skills in caring for patients with suicidal thoughts. Overall, the Jaspr Health technology aims to improve care for individuals experiencing severe suicidal thoughts. ^{2 3 4 5 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Edwin D Boudreaux, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Massachusetts, Worcester

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals in emergency departments who have attempted suicide, are having suicidal thoughts, or engaged in self-harm. Specific eligibility details aren't provided, but typically participants must meet certain health criteria to be included.

Inclusion Criteria

Positive for suicide risk on the Patient Safety Screener in the ED (active suicidal ideation in the past 2 weeks, or suicidal attempt in the past 6 months)

Reliable telephone access

Reads English at 6th grade level

Exclusion Criteria

I am under 18 years old.

I am unable to give consent for myself.

Enrolled subjects during the 12 month follow-up period

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants use the Jaspr Health app during their ED visit, completing the Suicide Status Interview and accessing safety planning and coping skills modules.

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants receive follow-up phone calls to assess suicide-related outcomes and healthcare utilization.

12 months

5 visits (virtual)

Long-term monitoring

Review of Massachusetts Department of Public Health death registry and electronic health records for additional monitoring.

12 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• ETAU
• Jaspr App + JAH

Trial Overview

The study is testing the Jaspr Health app combined with Just-in-Time Adaptive Help (JAH) against usual treatment. It aims to use patients' waiting time effectively by providing evidence-based practices for suicide prevention.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Jaspr intervention with enhanced treatment as usual (ETAU) Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Subjects in this arm will receive ETAU in addition, they will complete a guided Suicide Status Interview (SSI), Safety Planning, and Lethal means counseling on the Jaspr tablet-based app before open access to the Jaspr resource library. Subjects can sign up to receive JAH mobile app.

Group II: Enhanced treatment as usual (ETAU) alone Active Control 1 Intervention

Subjects in this arm will receive the usual care for patients with suicidal risk at UMass Memorial ED that may include a behavioral health evaluation by a trained clinician, and environmental safety precautions dictated by risk level (Mild, Moderate, High). Individuals deemed appropriate for discharge undergo discharge planning and offered a personalized safety plan using the Stanley-Brown Safety Planning Intervention, including lethal means safety counseling.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Massachusetts, Worcester

Lead Sponsor

Trials

372

Recruited

998,000+

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Collaborator

Trials

3,007

Recruited

2,852,000+

Evidence-Based Practice Institute, Seattle, WA

Industry Sponsor

Trials

9

Recruited

29,800+

Ohio State University

Collaborator

Trials

891

Recruited

2,659,000+

University of Colorado, Denver

Collaborator

Trials

1,842

Recruited

3,028,000+

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Collaborator

Trials

19

Recruited

30,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Digital interventions, such as apps, showed a reduction in suicidal ideation scores among 3,356 participants across 14 studies, suggesting they may be more effective than simply waiting for treatment.

However, there was no evidence that these interventions reduced self-harm or suicide attempts, and many studies had design biases, indicating that more research is needed to confirm their safety and effectiveness.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of online and mobile telephone applications ('apps') for the self-management of suicidal ideation and self-harm: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Witt, K., Spittal, MJ., Carter, G., et al.[2022]

The pilot study involving 66 adolescents showed that the ASAP intervention, which includes a smartphone app for emotion regulation, did not significantly reduce suicide attempts post-discharge, but indicated a trend towards fewer attempts (16% vs. 31%).

Participants with a history of previous suicide attempts may benefit more from the ASAP intervention, suggesting that this program could be tailored for those at higher risk, and overall, the intervention and app were well-received by users.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

As Safe as Possible (ASAP): A Brief App-Supported Inpatient Intervention to Prevent Postdischarge Suicidal Behavior in Hospitalized, Suicidal Adolescents. Kennard, BD., Goldstein, T., Foxwell, AA., et al.[2023]

The research aims to implement the Hope app in the psychiatric emergency department at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health to enhance suicide safety planning, involving ED clinicians and service users in the process to ensure effective integration into clinical workflows.

By using a co-design approach, the study will identify barriers and facilitators to implementation, ultimately developing strategies that support clinicians in adopting the app, which is crucial for improving suicide prevention efforts in emergency settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Designing Implementation Strategies for a Digital Suicide Safety Planning Intervention in a Psychiatric Emergency Department: Protocol for a Multimethod Research Project. Shin, HD., Zaheer, J., Torous, J., et al.[2023]

The CASPAR study aims to evaluate the feasibility of using mobile health applications for safety planning and daily self-monitoring in 80 patients with major depressive disorder or dysthymia at risk for suicidal behavior.

By integrating mobile safety plans and symptom tracking into routine care, the study seeks to enhance understanding of the suicidal process and improve treatment outcomes for high-risk patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Smartphone-based safety planning and self-monitoring for suicidal patients: Rationale and study protocol of the CASPAR (Continuous Assessment for Suicide Prevention And Research) study. Nuij, C., van Ballegooijen, W., Ruwaard, J., et al.[2023]

The Jaspr Health app was found to be feasible and acceptable for use among acutely suicidal patients in emergency departments, with high user satisfaction and no adverse events reported during the study.

Participants using the app experienced significant improvements, including increased access to evidence-based suicide prevention interventions and reductions in distress and agitation, compared to those receiving standard care.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Using a Tablet-Based App to Deliver Evidence-Based Practices for Suicidal Patients in the Emergency Department: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. Dimeff, LA., Jobes, DA., Koerner, K., et al.[2023]

The mobile app developed as part of the SERO suicide prevention program aims to reduce suicides and suicide attempts by enhancing self-management for individuals at risk, incorporating strategies like safety planning and mood tracking.

The app's design was informed by collaboration among health professionals, individuals at risk, and their families, ensuring it addresses real needs and integrates essential suicide prevention strategies effectively.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

SERO - A New Mobile App for Suicide Prevention. Meier, L., Gurtner, C., Nuessli, S., et al.[2022]

The study involving 20 adolescents discharged from a mental health ward showed that the smartphone apps BeyondNow and BlueIce were feasible and acceptable, with most participants accessing them at least once during the six-week follow-up.

While many participants found the apps easy to use, a significant portion (47%) felt they would not ensure safety during a crisis; however, improvements in suicide resilience were noted, indicating potential benefits in managing self-harm and suicidal behaviors.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The feasibility of using smartphone apps to manage self-harm and suicidal acts in adolescents admitted to an inpatient mental health ward. Muscara, F., Ng, O., Crossley, L., et al.[2022]

Citations

1.

clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT06223867?draw=2&rank=1

Efficacy, Effectiveness, and Implementation of Jaspr Health ...

This Study will comprehensively evaluate a multi-component suicide prevention technology (Jaspr Health) that facilitates delivery of suicided-related ...

2.

solutions.edc.org

solutions.edc.org/solutions/zero-suicide-institute/services/products/jaspr-health-digital-platform

Jaspr Health Digital Platform - EDC Solutions

In a randomized clinical trial, hospitals that used the Jaspr Health Digital Platform significantly outperformed care-as-usual. Jaspr Health. Jaspr Health was ...

3.

reporter.nih.gov

reporter.nih.gov/search/fl0UsLm08USpEnamHaUt7Q/project-details/10689325

Treating Drivers of Suicide in Primary Care using Jaspr Health

Digital technologies can efficiently and reliably help deliver suicide prevention EBP in PCC and increase the confidence and competence of PCP in treating ...

4.

jasprhealth.com

jasprhealth.com/

Jaspr Health – Suicide Prevention at Point of Care

Jaspr Health empowers delivery of evidence-based suicide care at scale, optimizes provider workflow, and improves patient experience.

5.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11443178/

A Suicide Prevention Digital Technology for Individuals ...

This study evaluates the safety and effectiveness of an evidence-based digital technology (Jaspr Health) designed for persons with acute suicidal ideation.

6.

umassmed.edu

umassmed.edu/capes/about/projects/

Projects — CAPES

The Jaspr study will evaluate Jaspr Health's patient-facing tablet-based application during suicide-related emergency department visits. The app guides patients ...