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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2009 Sep 23:9:59.
doi: 10.1186/1471-244X-9-59.

Study protocol: the development of a randomised controlled trial testing a postcard intervention designed to reduce suicide risk among young help-seekers

Jo Robinson  1 , Sarah Hetrick, Sara Gook, Elizabeth Cosgrave, Hok Pan Yuen, Patrick McGorry, Alison Yung
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Study protocol: the development of a randomised controlled trial testing a postcard intervention designed to reduce suicide risk among young help-seekers

Jo Robinson et al. BMC Psychiatry. .

Abstract

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/design: 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.

Discussion: 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.

Trial registration: The study was registered with the Australian Clinical Trials Registry; number: ACTRN012606000274572.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Study flow-chart: This figure displays the participant flow-chart.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Postcard: This figure contains an example of the postcard used in the study.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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