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. 2020 Mar-Apr:63:119-126.
doi: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2018.05.005. Epub 2018 May 20.

A novel engagement of suicidality in the emergency department: Virtual Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality

Linda A Dimeff  1 , David A Jobes  2 , Samantha A Chalker  3 , Brian M Piehl  4 , Leticia Lobo Duvivier  5 , Benjamin C Lok  6 , Mohan S Zalake  7 , Julie Chung  8 , Kelly Koerner  9
Affiliations

A novel engagement of suicidality in the emergency department: Virtual Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality

Linda A Dimeff et al. Gen Hosp Psychiatry. 2020 Mar-Apr.

Abstract

Objective: A novel avatar system (Virtual Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality System; V-CAMS) for suicidal patients and medical personnel in emergency departments (EDs) was developed and evaluated. V-CAMS facilitates the delivery of CAMS and other evidence-based interventions to reduce unnecessary hospitalization, readmissions, and suicide following an ED visit.

Method: Using iterative user-centered design with 24 suicidal patients, an avatar prototype, "Dr. Dave" (based on Dr. Jobes) was created, along with other patient-facing tools; provider-facing tools, including a clinical decision support tool were also designed and tested to aid discharge disposition.

Results: Feasibility tests supported proof of concept. Suicidal patients affirmed the system's overall merit, positive Perception of Care, and acceptability; medical providers (n = 21) viewed the system as an efficient, effective, and safe method of improving care for suicidal ED patients and reducing unnecessary hospitalization.

Conclusions: Technology tools including a patient-facing avatar and e-caring contacts, along with provider-facing tools may offer a powerful method of facilitating best-practice suicide prevention interventions and point-of-care tools for suicidal patients seeking ED services and their medical providers. Future directions include full development of V-CAMS and integration into a health electronic medical record and a rigorous randomized controlled trial to study its effectiveness.

Keywords: CAMS; Emergency department; Suicide; Virtual.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosures Drs. Dimeff and Koerner co-own Evidence-Based Practice Institute, LLC and will derive profits from Virtual CAMS once it is complete and made commercially available. They both derive royalties from published books. Both provide professional workshops, lectures, and other trainings and are compensated for these activities. Dr. Dimeff co-owns Portland DBT Institute, Inc. and derives profit from this organization. Dr. Jobes receives book royalties from American Psychological Association Press and Guilford Press. He is also a co-owner of CAMS-care, LLC which provides professional training and consultation in the CAMS approach.

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