Jaspr App for Suicide Prevention

(Jaspr-PartB Trial)

Enrolling by invitation at 3 trial locations

Overseen By Mhd B Rahmoun, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Massachusetts, Worcester

Disqualifiers: Cognitive, Emotional incapability

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to test Jaspr Health, a new app designed to help prevent suicide by providing support and resources in emergency departments (EDs). The app offers tools like safety planning and counseling to make time in EDs more productive for those at risk of suicide. Participants are divided into two groups: one receiving standard care and the other using Jaspr alongside usual treatment. Individuals flagged for suicide risk who can read English or have assistance may participate. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative solutions for suicide prevention.

Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?

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

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

Research has shown that Jaspr Health is easy to use and well-received in emergency rooms. This digital app helps prevent suicide by guiding patients through steps such as creating a safety plan and discussing their risk of suicide. Studies have found Jaspr Health to be effective and safe for individuals with suicidal thoughts. No reports of serious problems have emerged from its use, indicating that users handle it well. The app enhances the patient experience and aids healthcare providers in offering better care. ^{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, digital approach to mental health care. Unlike traditional methods such as therapy or medication, Jaspr provides immediate, interactive resources like the Suicide Status Interview, Safety Planning, and Lethal Means Counseling right at the fingertips of those in need. The app also allows continuous support by enabling users to access a comprehensive resource library and sign up for the Jaspr at Home mobile app, making mental health support more accessible and personalized. This innovative use of technology has the potential to enhance traditional treatment options and provide timely intervention, which is crucial for individuals at risk of suicide.

What evidence suggests that the Jaspr Health app is effective for suicide prevention?

Research has shown that Jaspr Health, which participants in this trial may receive, holds promise for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts during emergency room visits. Early results suggest that the app can significantly reduce feelings of distress and agitation. It also helps users manage current and future suicidal thoughts more effectively. Jaspr Health offers tools such as a Suicide Status Interview (SSI), safety planning, and advice on reducing access to harmful items. These features aim to provide effective support and improve outcomes, aligning with the Zero Suicide framework, which enhances safety and care in mental health systems. ^{1 2 4 5 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Edwin D Boudreaux, PhD

Principal Investigator

UMass Chan Medical School

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals in emergency departments who have engaged in self-harm or are experiencing suicidal thoughts or attempts. Participants must be willing to use the Jaspr Health app during their ED visit.

Inclusion Criteria

Must test positive for suicide risk on screener

Must be able to read English, or have a proxy available to read and enter questions

Exclusion Criteria

I am unable to interact with Jaspr due to cognitive or emotional reasons.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Retrospective Enhanced Treatment as Usual (ETAU)

A retrospective phase comprising 12 months of index ED visits with a 12 month follow-up window

12 months

Implementation/Intervention

Implementation of Jaspr in EDs, comprising 18 months of index ED visits with a 12 month follow-up window

18 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

12 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Jaspr Health

Trial Overview The study tests the Jaspr Health app, designed to make waiting time in emergency departments more productive by providing suicide prevention strategies and support through evidence-based practices.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Jaspr Implementation Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

This group will receive the enhanced treatment as usual (ETAU) provided as part of routine clinical care at the participating EDs. They will also be considered by their treating team for administration of Jaspr. Jaspr administers a Suicide Status Interview (SSI), Safety Planning, and Lethal means counseling, and allows open access to the Jaspr resource library. They can sign up to receive Jaspr at Home mobile app. Electronic Health Records (EHR) will be used to assess the outcomes in the 12 months following the index visit.

Group II: Enhanced Treatment as Usual (ETAU) Historical Control Group Active Control 1 Intervention

Enhanced Treatment As Usual (ETAU) Historical Control is defined as the treatment provided as part of routine clinical care in the participating EDs during a period of time when Jaspr was not being implemented.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Massachusetts, Worcester

Lead Sponsor

Trials

372

Recruited

998,000+

University of Colorado, Denver

Collaborator

Trials

1,842

Recruited

3,028,000+

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Collaborator

Trials

19

Recruited

30,000+

Ohio State University

Collaborator

Trials

891

Recruited

2,659,000+

Evidence-Based Practice Institute, Seattle, WA

Industry Sponsor

Trials

9

Recruited

29,800+

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Collaborator

Trials

3,007

Recruited

2,852,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

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 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 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 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 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 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]

Citations

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

Efficacy, Effectiveness, and Implementation of Jaspr Health ... This study will evaluate Jaspr's patient-facing tablet-based application (app) during suicide-related ED visits. The app guides patients in completing the ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7961404/

Using a Tablet-Based App to Deliver Evidence ... This study aims to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of Jaspr Health among suicidal adults in EDs. Methods. Patients ...

3. jasprhealth.com jasprhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Jaspr-Health-Combined-RCT-Summary-and-Findings-1.pdf

Preliminary Findings from Jaspr Health Clinical Trial - Significant decrease in distress and agitation; - Significant increase in learning to cope more effectively with current and future suicidal thoughts; - ...

4. 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.

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

Jaspr Health Digital Platform - EDC Solutions “Data are clear that when you implement a Zero Suicide framework, you improve outcomes. Jaspr's evidence-based digital technology helps health systems ...

6. 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.