Can Brief Contact After Hospital Discharge Help Prevent Suicide Among Psychiatric Patients?

What you need to know

• The first weeks and months after psychiatric hospitalization represent a high-risk period for suicide
• Brief supportive contacts through phone, text or messaging apps may help reduce suicide risk during this vulnerable transition
• This implementation study will test different frequencies of contact to determine the most effective approach

The Critical Post-Hospital Period

Imagine leaving the structured environment of a psychiatric hospital and returning home. While discharge represents an important step in recovery, it can also be an incredibly challenging transition. Patients often experience feelings of uncertainty, loneliness, and anxiety as they adjust to life outside the hospital walls. Unfortunately, research shows this adjustment period carries a significantly elevated risk of suicide.

The statistics are sobering - in the year following psychiatric hospitalization, the suicide rate is nearly 500 per 100,000 people, which is dramatically higher than the general population rate of around 10 per 100,000. The risk is especially high in the first few weeks and months after discharge.

A Simple Yet Powerful Intervention

Enter brief contact interventions (BCIs) - a straightforward approach involving regular supportive messages, phone calls, or other brief communications with patients after they leave the hospital. While simple in concept, these caring contacts serve an important purpose: helping patients feel connected and supported during a vulnerable time.

The messages typically include elements like:

• Friendly greetings and expressions of care
• Encouraging words
• Mental health tips and coping strategies
• Reminders about follow-up appointments and available crisis resources
• Offers of support

Why It Works

The power of BCIs lies in their ability to combat isolation and maintain human connection. Many patients describe feeling “cut off” after discharge, unsure of how to reach out for help. Regular caring contacts create a bridge, letting patients know they haven’t been forgotten.

Research suggests these brief touchpoints can increase what psychologists call “social connectedness” - our sense of belonging and connection to others. They also provide concrete social support by reminding patients of available resources and encouraging them to stay engaged in treatment.

Finding the Right “Dose”

Like any intervention, an important question is how often these contacts should occur. Too infrequent and they may not provide enough support; too frequent and they could become burdensome. This study aims to scientifically determine the optimal frequency.

The researchers will test different contact schedules:

• Weekly check-ins
• Bi-weekly check-ins
• Monthly check-ins

They’ll track outcomes over time to see which approach works best for different types of patients.

What This Means for You

If you or a loved one are being discharged from psychiatric care:

• Ask about available follow-up support programs and crisis resources
• Make sure you have current contact information for mental health providers
• Consider setting up regular check-ins with trusted family/friends
• Save crisis hotline numbers in your phone
• Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re struggling

For family members and friends:

• Stay in regular contact, especially in the first few months
• Express care and willingness to listen without judgment
• Help with practical needs like appointment reminders
• Know the warning signs of suicide risk
• Have emergency resources readily available

Conclusions

• The transition from hospital to home is a critical period that requires additional support
• Brief, caring contacts can help patients feel less isolated and more connected to help
• Regular supportive check-ins, even if brief, may reduce suicide risk during this vulnerable time
• Both professional and personal support networks play vital roles in successful transitions