Safety Planning Intervention with Follow-up Telephone Contact
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Safety Planning Intervention with Follow-up Telephone Contact (SAFE TEL) to Reduce Suicidal Behaviour: A Development and Feasibility Study
IRAS ID
222804
Contact name
Rory C O'Connor
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 1 months, 31 days
Research summary
Although a past suicide attempt is the best predictor of future suicide attempts and suicide, there are no evidence-based treatments for those who are admitted to hospital following emergency admission. The present research investigates whether an extremely promising new psychosocial intervention (SAFE TEL) developed in the USA may be feasible for use in the UK NHS. The SAFE TEL intervention is comprised of safety planning and telephone support. It has been developed to help patients to better identify suicide warning signs and to review their coping strategies and how they respond to triggers to reduce the risk of suicide attempts. This study will be conducted in 3 phases. In Phase 1, we will consult with patients and NHS staff to tailor the existing SAFE TEL intervention for administration within UK NHS. In Phase 2 we will pilot the intervention with 30 patients following a suicide attempt. In Phase 3, we will conduct an exploratory trial (120 patients following a suicide attempt randomised to receive the SAFE TEL intervention + Treatment as Usual (n=80) or Treatment as Usual only (n=40)) in 4 hospitals. We will compare groups using standard statistical approaches, however the main focus will be on methodological issues including acceptability, feasibility, recruitment and retention. This evaluation will provide detailed information about whether SAFE TEL is feasible for delivery in the UK and if a large scale trial to test its efficacy is warranted.
REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 1
REC reference
17/ES/0036
Date of REC Opinion
23 Mar 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion