Influences on Call Outcomes among Veteran Callers to the National Veterans Crisis Line |
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| Authors: | Peter C. Britton PhD Robert M. Bossarte PhD Caitlin Thompson PhD Janet Kemp RN PhD Kenneth R. Conner PsyD MPH |
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| Affiliation: | 1. VISN 2 Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, Department of Veterans Affairs, Canandaigua Medical Center, , Canandaigua, NY, USA;2. Center for the Study and Prevention of Suicide, Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, , Rochester, NY, USA;3. National Veterans Crisis Line, Department of Veterans Affairs, Canandaigua Medical Center, , Canandaigua, NY, USA;4. Office of Suicide Prevention, Department of Veterans Affairs, Central Office, , Washington, DC, USA |
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| Abstract: | The association of caller and call characteristics with proximal outcomes of Veterans Crisis Line calls were examined. From October 1–7, 2010, 665 veterans with recent suicidal ideation or a history of attempted suicide called the Veterans Crisis Line; 646 had complete data and were included in the analyses. A multivariable multinomial logistic regression was conducted to identify correlates of a favorable outcome (a resolution or a referral) when compared to an unfavorable outcome (no resolution or referral). A multivariable logistic regression was used to identify correlates of responder‐rated caller risk in a subset of calls. Approximately 84% of calls ended with a favorable outcome, 25% with a resolution, and 59% with a referral to a local health care provider. Calls from high‐risk callers had greater odds of ending with a referral than without a resolution or referral, as did weekday calls (6:00 am to 5:59 pm EST, Monday through Friday). Responders used caller intent to die and the absence of future plans to determine caller risk. Findings suggest that the Veterans Crisis Line is a useful mechanism for generating referrals for high‐risk veteran callers. Responders appeared to use known risk and protective factors to determine caller risk. |
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