Smartphone-based technology helps in prevention of suicidal behavior
The use of smartphone technologies could be beneficial in preventing suicide among at-risk adults, says a study conducted by investigators from Italy and Spain, published online in the Journal of Psychiatric Research.
Suicide stands among the primary causes of unnatural deaths globally. According to the WHO mortality database, suicides in the United States saw a 53% increase from 2000 to 2020 (WHO, 2022). Essential for preventing suicide is the implementation of secondary prevention strategies. Digital medicine holds the potential to address numerous mental disorders, making it a promising complement to conventional mental health care. Hence, Alejandro Porras-Segovia and the research team conducted this study to investigate the viability and acceptability of a safety plan integrated into a smartphone application.
Scientists carried out a retrospective pilot analysis to assess the practicality and approval of a safety plan incorporated into a smartphone application (MEmind) among adult patients aged 18 years and older who had recently exhibited suicidal behavior.
The key findings of this study were:
Out of the 128 participants, 82% had the safety plan integrated into their smartphones, with approximately half completing end-of-study surveys.
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