CAMS Relational Agent System (CAMS-RAS) for Suicide Prevention

Brief Summary

This Phase II study is a continuation of the Phase I feasibility study where the investigators fully met and exceeded project aims to design, build, and test the usability and acceptability of an avatar-based system, Jaspr Health ("Jaspr"), for use by suicidal ED patients and medical personnel responsible for their care. Phase II includes a formative phase, during which the investigators will continue conducting usability and acceptability tests of new features, and a summative phase to conduct a clinical trial. SBIR Phase II project aims include: (1) Complete development of Jaspr, including readiness for electronic health record integration; (2) Cultivate and utilize the advisory board so that Jaspr is positioned to meet the needs of diverse healthcare systems and successful conduct of the proposed research; (3) Conduct usability/acceptability tests of new features with target end-users (suicidal patients, including those in the ED, medical providers) and key stakeholders (i.e., administrators); and (4) Conduct a randomized controlled trial (RCT; n=31) of suicidal ED patients comparing Jaspr (n=14) to Care-As-Usual (CAU; n=17). Participants were assessed at baseline while in the ED, and again at 7, 30, and 90 days. The investigators predicted that Jaspr participants will report a significantly greater decrease in suicidal behaviors and ED/hospital admissions, as well as significantly greater increases in use of behavioral coping skills, self-efficacy in coping with distress, and perceived helpfulness of patients' ED experience and satisfaction with the app. This study, however, was paused due to COVID after February, 2020 with a total of 31 participants recruited. The study later resumed at one site; however, because of COVID there were fewer admissions for suicidal behavior to the ED, only 7 participants were enrolled before the study ended recruitment in December, 2020 (RCT; n=7) (Jaspr; n=4) (CAU; n=3). The Telehealth clinical trial was conducted with suicidal outpatients to compare the Jaspr-At-Home companion mobile app (JAH; n=28) and CAU (in addition to crisis safety planning; n=26). Participants were assessed at baseline, 30- and 90-days after the initial session.