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Brief assessment for suicidal ideation in OEF/OIF veterans with positive depression screens.

Authors :
Dobscha SK
Corson K
Helmer DA
Bair MJ
Denneson LM
Brandt C
Beane A
Ganzini L
Source :
General hospital psychiatry [Gen Hosp Psychiatry] 2013 May-Jun; Vol. 35 (3), pp. 272-8. Date of Electronic Publication: 2013 Jan 23.
Publication Year :
2013

Abstract

Objectives: We describe processes, rates, and patient and system correlates of brief structured assessments (BSAs) for suicidal ideation among Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) veterans with positive depression screens.<br />Methods: Electronic Veterans Affairs (VA) medical record and Department of Defense data were used to identify individual-level and BSA-process variables for 1662 OEF/OIF veterans at three VA Medical Centers.<br />Results: Overall, 1349/1662 (81%) veterans received BSAs for suicidal ideation within 1 month of depression screening; 94% of BSAs were conducted within 1 day. Stratified analyses revealed significant intersite differences in veteran demographics, instruments used, clinical setting and staff performing assessments, and correlates of assessment completion. At two sites, men were more likely to be assessed than women [odds ratio (OR)=2.15 (95% confidence interval {CI}=1.06-4.38) and 3.14 (CI=1.27-7.76)]. In a combined model adjusted for intrasite correlation, assessment was less likely during months 8-12 and 13-18 of the study period [OR=0.39 (CI=0.28-0.54) and OR=0.48 (95% CI=0.35-0.68), respectively] and more likely to occur among veterans receiving depression or posttraumatic stress disorder diagnoses on the day of depression screening [OR=1.83 (CI=1.36-2.46) and OR=1.50 (CI=1.13-1.98), respectively].<br />Conclusions: Most veterans with positive depression screens receive timely BSAs for suicidal ideation. Processes used for brief assessment for suicidal ideation vary substantially across VA settings.<br /> (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1873-7714
Volume :
35
Issue :
3
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
General hospital psychiatry
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
23351524
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2012.12.001