Jaspr Health App for Suicidal Thoughts

Overseen By Angela Kelley Brimer, MS

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Evidence-Based Practice Institute, Seattle, WA

Disqualifiers: Severe depression, Alcohol dependence, Significant drug abuse, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 6

Duration: 12 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests an app called WisePath, designed to assist individuals with suicidal thoughts who may also misuse alcohol. The goal is to determine if the app can support and guide users by providing tools and strategies to manage their feelings and behaviors. Participants will use either the WisePath app or a different self-help app with additional wellness resources. Individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts or who have attempted suicide in the past, particularly if alcohol misuse is a concern, might be well-suited for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants 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. It might be best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your healthcare provider.

What prior data suggests that the Jaspr Health App is safe for individuals with suicidal thoughts?

Research shows that the WisePath app, tested in this trial, uses proven methods for preventing suicide. These methods have been shown to reduce suicidal thoughts and actions. The app is designed to assist individuals dealing with depression, thoughts of self-harm, and alcohol problems.

WisePath offers tools such as safety plans and strategies for coping with difficult feelings. Although specific safety data from large studies is not yet available, the app is based on methods known to be effective and safe. This suggests that most people are likely to use WisePath without issues.

Even without specific safety data, digital mental health tools like WisePath are generally safe and non-invasive. They provide support without the physical risks associated with medication or surgery. If there are any concerns about using the app, consulting a healthcare provider is advisable. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Unlike traditional approaches for managing suicidal thoughts, which often rely on in-person therapy or medication, the Jaspr2.0 app offers a digital, self-guided alternative. Researchers are excited about WisePath, the app's component, because it provides users with immediate access to tools like safety planning and strategies to manage distressing feelings. This innovative delivery method empowers individuals to engage in proactive self-help anytime, which can be crucial during moments of crisis. Additionally, the integration of comprehensive wellness resources and psychoeducation sets this app apart, potentially offering a more holistic approach to mental health support.

What evidence suggests that the WisePath app is effective for reducing suicidality and alcohol misuse?

Research has shown that Jaspr Health, the technology behind the WisePath app, effectively reduces suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Participants in this trial may use the WisePath app, which has proven effective in emergency room settings, suggesting it can assist during critical times. The app employs methods that enhance outcomes in healthcare systems and supports the Zero Suicide approach, which has improved patient safety and mental health. Although more information is always beneficial, early results are promising for those dealing with suicidal thoughts and related issues. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Linda A. Dimeff, PhD

Principal Investigator

Chief Executive Officer

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

Adults over 18 with suicidal thoughts, who have seen their primary care provider in the past year, use a smartphone with data, and may misuse alcohol can join. Those with severe depression or alcohol dependence, acute suicidal tendencies, or significant drug abuse cannot participate.

Inclusion Criteria

Scores 1 or greater on Item 9 of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)

To ensure a sufficient sample of individuals who misuse alcohol, no fewer than 35% of the sample will be comprised of individuals who score 8 or more on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), indicating a harmful or hazardous level of drinking.

English speaking

Exclusion Criteria

You are currently feeling very suicidal or have had recent thoughts of hurting yourself.

I have severe depression based on my PHQ-9 score.

Alcohol dependence (AUDIT score of 15 or greater)

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2 weeks

1 visit (virtual)

Treatment

Participants are randomly assigned to either the WisePath app or an active control condition for 12 weeks

12 weeks

4 assessments (virtual) at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in suicidal ideation, alcohol misuse, and other behavioral health concerns

4 weeks

1 visit (virtual)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Active-Control app + electronic wellness resources brochure
• Jaspr2.0

Trial Overview

The trial is testing Jaspr2.0 app against an active control (Virtual Hope Box + wellness resources) for helping adults manage suicidal ideation and alcohol misuse. It's a randomized study assessing participants at multiple points over 12 weeks.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: WisePath for Adults Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

WisePath is designed to help support individuals during challenging moments and while experiencing behavioral concerns. The app is designed for people who struggle with depression, sleep problems, have feelings of wanting to die, or want to harm themselves, and/or misuse alcohol. WisePath includes specific tools for those who are experiencing suicidality, including creating a safety plan and teaching skills and strategies to get through distressing moments. You have been assigned to use the WisePath app while you are in this study.

Group II: Active-Control app + electronic wellness resources brochure Active Control 1 Intervention

Well-regarded suicide prevention self-help app, plus an electronic wellness resources brochure containing links to health and wellness materials, psychoeducation about suicide, depression, self-help recovery-focused resources (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous, other 12-Step programs, Moderation Management, etc.), and phone/text information for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Evidence-Based Practice Institute, Seattle, WA

Lead Sponsor

Trials

9

Recruited

29,800+

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)

Collaborator

Trials

865

Recruited

1,091,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

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 evaluated the feasibility of two mental health apps, BackUp and mEMA, for treating depressed outpatients with suicidal ideation, involving 17 participants over a 3-month period.

Both apps were found to be usable and acceptable, scoring above the thresholds for usability and satisfaction, but the study did not meet the criteria for sufficient uptake, indicating that further exploration is needed for integrating these apps into routine mental healthcare.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The feasibility of using smartphone apps as treatment components for depressed suicidal outpatients. Nuij, C., van Ballegooijen, W., de Beurs, D., et al.[2023]

A review of 43 suicide prevention apps available on the Android platform for Indian users revealed that less than half included evidence-based content, highlighting a gap in the reliability of information provided to users.

While most apps offered regional suicide helpline numbers, only a small percentage included motivational prompts to encourage users to reach out for help, indicating a need for improvement in app design to enhance user engagement and support.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Suicide Prevention Mobile Apps for Indian Users: An Overview. Sudarshan, S., Mehrotra, S.[2021]

The suicide rate in the U.S. has remained largely unchanged for the past century, highlighting the urgent need for innovative prevention strategies.

Just-In-Time Adaptive Interventions (JITAIs) using smartphones and wearables could provide timely, personalized support for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts, potentially improving the effectiveness of suicide prevention efforts.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Just-in-Time Adaptive Interventions for Suicide Prevention: Promise, Challenges, and Future Directions. Coppersmith, DDL., Dempsey, W., Kleiman, EM., et al.[2023]

Out of 10,274 mobile health applications (MHAs) identified for suicidal ideation and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), only 179 met the inclusion criteria, indicating a significant filtering process for quality assessment.

The average quality of these MHAs was moderate, with high-quality apps generally aligning with best-practice suicide prevention strategies, but the lack of randomized controlled trials raises concerns about their scientific validity and potential risks to users.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Systematic Evaluation of Mobile Health Applications for the Prevention of Suicidal Behavior or Non-suicidal Self-injury. Sander, LB., Lemor, ML., Van der Sloot, RJA., et al.[2023]

Smartphone apps have the potential to provide personalized support for individuals with suicidal thoughts, utilizing real-time data and smartphone sensors, but most are still in the research phase rather than widely used in clinical practice.

Clinicians can enhance suicide prevention efforts by carefully selecting safe and effective mental health apps to create personalized digital toolkits for patients, ensuring the tools are relevant and engaging.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Clinical Considerations for Digital Resources in Care for Patients With Suicidal Ideation. Alon, N., Perret, S., Segal, R., et al.[2023]

The WellPATH app, used during a 12-week psychotherapy intervention for middle-aged and older adults after suicide-related hospitalization, showed high feasibility and acceptability, with participants and therapists expressing satisfaction with the app.

Case studies indicated that using WellPATH helped patients reduce negative emotions and improve their ability to regulate emotions, suggesting potential benefits for suicide prevention.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An Emotion Regulation Tablet App for Middle-Aged and Older Adults at High Suicide Risk: Feasibility, Acceptability, and Two Case Studies. Kiosses, DN., Monkovic, J., Stern, A., et al.[2022]

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 Virtual Hope Box (VHB) app was found to be more regularly used and preferred by high-risk patients and their clinicians compared to a traditional hope box, indicating its potential effectiveness in helping patients cope with negative thoughts and stress.

Patients reported that the VHB was beneficial, easy to set up, and expressed a strong likelihood of continued use and recommendation to others, suggesting its practicality as a therapeutic tool.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Virtual Hope Box smartphone app as an accessory to therapy: proof-of-concept in a clinical sample of veterans. Bush, NE., Dobscha, SK., Crumpton, R., et al.[2022]

The pilot phase of the SmartCrisis 2.0 trial demonstrated that a smartphone-based safety plan for patients with recent suicidal behavior is feasible and well-accepted, with a participation rate of 77% and high satisfaction ratings (overall satisfaction score of 9.6 out of 10).

Patients found the safety plan useful (7.4/10) and easy to use (8.9/10), with common coping strategies including walking and exercise, indicating that the app could be a valuable tool in clinical practice for supporting mental health.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Smartphone-based safety plan for suicidal crisis: The SmartCrisis 2.0 pilot study. Porras-Segovia, A., De Granda-Beltrán, AM., Gallardo, C., et al.[2023]

An online monitoring tool for tracking depressive symptoms, suicidality, and side effects was developed and found to be user-friendly by young participants, who completed it multiple times.

Both clients and clinicians reported the tool as useful, although clinicians suggested it could be shortened for better integration into clinical practice, indicating a need for further research on its implementation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Development and pilot testing of an online monitoring tool of depression symptoms and side effects for young people being treated for depression. Hetrick, SE., Dellosa, MK., Simmons, MB., et al.[2015]

This trial will assess the effectiveness of a mobile app (MyPlan) for safety planning in reducing suicidal ideation compared to a traditional paper safety plan, involving 546 participants from Danish Suicide Prevention Clinics over a 12-month period.

Both groups will receive standard psychosocial care, allowing researchers to determine if the app can enhance the support provided by traditional safety plans in preventing self-harm and suicide.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

MYPLAN -mobile phone application to manage crisis of persons at risk of suicide: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Andreasson, K., Krogh, J., Bech, P., et al.[2022]

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