Study protocol: the development of a randomised controlled trial testing a postcard intervention designed to reduce suicide risk among young help-seekers.
BACKGROUND
Suicidal behaviour and deliberate self harm are common among adolescents. Limited evidence exists regarding interventions that can reduce risk; however research indicates that maintaining contact either via letter or postcard with at-risk adults following discharge from services can reduce risk. The aim of the study is to test a postcard intervention among people aged 15-24 who presented to mental health services but are not accepted, yet are at risk of suicide.


METHODS
The study is a 3-year randomised controlled trial conducted at Orygen Youth Health Research Centre in Melbourne Australia. Participants are young help-seekers aged 15-24 who are at risk of suicide. Participants will be recruited over a 12 month period. The intervention comprises a regular postcard to be sent monthly for 12 months. The postcard enquires after their well being and includes information regarding individual sources of help and evidence-based self help strategies. Participants are assessed at baseline, 12 and 18 months.


CONCLUSIONS
This paper describes the development of a study which aims to reduce suicide risk in a sample of young help-seekers. If effective, this intervention could have significant clinical and research implications for a population who can be hard to treat and difficult to research.


BACKGROUND
The study was registered with the Australian Clinical Trials Registry; number: ACTRN012606000274572.
Robinson
Jo
J
ORYGEN Youth Health Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne Locked Bag 10, Victoria, Australia. jo.robinson@mh.org.au
Hetrick
Sarah
S
Gook
Sara
S
Cosgrave
Elizabeth
E
Yuen
Hok Pan
HP
McGorry
Patrick
P
Yung
Alison
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010351:Patient Discharge; D011177:Postal Service / Q000379:methods*; D016730:Program Development / Q000379:methods*; D012107:Research Design; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D012649:Self Concept; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D012944:Social Support; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000092864:Suicide Prevention