Digital safety planning to support people after a suicidal crisis

Matilde Elices

Fundació Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Spain

People who experience a suicidal crisis often remain at high risk after leaving emergency care. Current follow-up models mainly rely on scheduled appointments, which may not provide support when risk changes. This project aims to explore whether a widely used digital communication tool can support people after a suicidal crisis by offering personalised safety planning and regular check-ins alongside standard care.

The project builds on evidence that digital monitoring can detect changes in risk and that safety plans can help people use coping strategies during difficult moments. The research team will compare the feasibility, acceptability and safety of this approach with those of an existing digital application. The researchers will also gather early evidence on the tool’s potential impact on suicidal thoughts, repeat crises and use of health services.

The project aims to develop a low-cost, scalable approach for the Spanish health system that can complement face-to-face care and support families and self-management. The results could inform larger studies and contribute to developing suicide prevention strategies that are proactive, accessible and centred on the patient.

WhatsApp‑Delivered Ecological Momentary Assessment and Digital Safety Planning for Suicidal Crises: A Pilot Feasibility and Acceptability Study

€76.500,00