An emergency department-based brief intervention for veterans at risk for suicide (SAFE VET)

Abstract

Reducing deaths from veteran suicide is a public health priority for veterans who receive their care from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and those who receive services in community settings. Emergency departments frequently function as the primary or sole point of contact with the health care system for suicidal individuals; therefore, they represent an important venue in which to identify and treat veterans who are at risk for suicide. We describe the design, implementation and initial evaluation of a brief behavioral intervention for suicidal veterans seeking care at VA emergency departments. Initial findings of the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention suggest it may be transferable to diverse VA and non-VA settings, including community emergency departments and urgent care centers.

Figures

FIGURE 1—

Pathways to care for veterans in Veterans Affairs (VA) emergency department (ED) or urgent care settings. Note. SAFE VET = Suicide Assessment and Follow-up Engagement: Veteran Emergency Treatment.

FIGURE 2—

Logo used to promote SAFE VET program.