Designed and created for a veteran by a veteran: A pilot study of caring cards for suicide prevention. Issue 5 (17th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ehret, Blaire C.; Treichler, Emily B. H.; Ehret, Phillip J.; Chalker, Samantha A.; Depp, Colin A.; Perivoliotis, Dimitri
• Is Part Of: Suicide and life-threatening behavior. Volume 51:Issue 5(2021)
• Page Start: 872
• Page End: 881
• Publication Date: 2021-05-17
• Subjects: veterans -- caring cards -- suicide prevention; Suicide -- Periodicals; Suicide -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Behavior -- Periodicals; Suicide -- Periodicals; 362.28
• DOI: 10.1111/sltb.12762
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0363-0234

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: This pilot study investigates feasibility and acceptability of Caring Cards, a suicide prevention intervention inspired by Caring Contacts and the Recovery Model, where Veteran peers create cards that are sent to Veterans recently discharged from a VA psychiatric hospitalization for suicide risk. Methods: Caring Cards consists of: (1) a weekly outpatient group where Veterans (card makers) create cards, and (2) sending cards to recently discharged Veterans (card recipients). Feasibility for card makers was measured by attendance; acceptability (satisfaction) was examined. Card recipients were sent one caring card, one week post‐discharge. Feasibility for recipients was measured by the percentage of Veterans that met eligibility and follow‐up response rate; acceptability (satisfaction) was examined. Results: Caring Cards is feasible and acceptable. The outpatient group had a higher attendance rate (81%) compared with other clinic groups. The percentage of eligible card recipients was 61%. Of these, 69% were reached for follow‐up and 50% provided follow‐up responses. Card makers and recipients both expressed positive experiences with Caring Cards. Conclusion: Caring Cards is a low‐intensity, feasible, and acceptable intervention with potential benefits for both Veteran card makers and recipients. Additional research is needed to determine the efficacy of Caring Cards as a suicide prevention intervention.