Tenso, K., Strombotne, K., et al. (2024).
JAMA Network Open, 7(11), e2443054.
Key Points
Question Is the shift from face-to-face to virtual mental health service delivery associated with the risk of suicide-related events?
Findings In this cohort study assessing 66 387 data points from 16 236 unique veterans, a 1% increase in the percentage of virtual mental health visits relative to the total visits was associated with a statistically significant 2.5% decrease in suicide-related events.
Meaning The results of this cohort study suggest that offering virtual mental health care in addition to in-person care may reduce suicide-related events.
Abstract
Importance The rising suicide rates in the US emphasize the need for effective prevention. While telehealth has transformed access to mental health care, the impact of telehealth on suicide outcomes is unknown.
Objective To evaluate the association of virtual mental health services with individual-level suicide-related events (SREs).
Conclusions and Relevance Findings from this cohort study using a retrospective quasi-experimental design found that an increase in virtual mental health visits relative to total visits was associated with a statistically significant decrease in SREs, suggesting that providing virtual mental health services may reduce suicide-related outcomes.
------------------------
Here are some thoughts:
This research investigates the connection between virtual mental health care and suicide-related events among veterans. Using data from the Veterans Health Administration, the study found a statistically significant decrease in suicide-related events associated with an increase in virtual mental health visits, suggesting that providing virtual mental health services may reduce suicide-related outcomes. The study controls for various factors that could influence both virtual care utilization and suicidal behaviors, employing an instrumental variable (IV) probit model to address potential confounders and reverse causality. The study concludes that virtual mental health care may be protective in terms of suicide-related outcomes, supporting the expansion of telehealth services within the VHA.
