NCT06803329 · VA Office of Research and Development
Qnnections: Refinement and Pilot Trial of a Suicide Prevention Intervention to Increase Social Connection
(Qnnections)
What this study is about
Despite the high risk of suicide among LGBTQ+ Veterans, there is currently no suicide-focused intervention for this population. This study will refine and pilot Qnnections, a novel group-based suicide prevention intervention that aims to increase social connection and functioning in this population.
View original scientific description
Despite the high risk of suicide among LGBTQ+ Veterans, there is currently no suicide-focused intervention for this population. This study will refine and pilot Qnnections, a novel group-based suicide prevention intervention that aims to increase social connection and functioning in this population. The project will involve Veterans with lived experience in further refining Qnnections, and then will examine feasibility and acceptability of Qnnections and of study procedures in a pilot randomized clinical trial.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Qnnections
A novel group-based suicide prevention intervention that augments standard VA mental health services for LGBTQ+ Veterans with current suicidal thoughts or recent suicidal behavior. Informed by the empirically-supported theoretical framework of the interpersonal theory of suicide and prior work tailoring interventions for minority stress, Qnnections is a structured 10-week group that uses a cognitive behavioral framework to target perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness. Veterans will also receive safety planning and referrals.
BEHAVIORAL
Enhanced Usual Care
The active control condition includes: 1) VA Safety Planning Intervention and 2) referrals to VA and non-VA services relevant to the individual. The safety plan will be conducted by Dr. Chang, a licensed psychologist. Therefore, EUC only differs from the Qnnections condition as it does not have the 10-session Qnnections intervention. EUC is intended to include elements of VA suicide prevention standard practice. The control condition is considered enhanced as all participants will receive these elements, whereas Veterans are not guaranteed to receive all of these services if not enrolled in this study.
Primary outcome measures
Acceptability of Intervention Measure (AIM)
Time frame: 10-20 weeks
Weiner BJ, Lewis CC, Stanick C, et al. Psychometric assessment of three newly developed implementation outcome measures. Implementation Sci. 2017;12(1):108. 4 items on a 5-point Likert scale from 1-5, with higher scores indicating greater acceptability, appropriateness, or feasibility. This scale has demonstrated promising psychometric properties for the monitoring and evaluation of an intervention's feasibility and acceptability. These measures are available in the public domain.
Intervention Appropriateness Measure (IAM)
Time frame: 10-20 weeks
Weiner BJ, Lewis CC, Stanick C, et al. Psychometric assessment of three newly developed implementation outcome measures. Implementation Sci. 2017;12(1):108. 4 items on a 5-point Likert scale from 1-5, with higher scores indicating greater acceptability, appropriateness, or feasibility. This scale has demonstrated promising psychometric properties for the monitoring and evaluation of an intervention's feasibility and acceptability. These measures are available in the public domain.
Feasibility of Intervention Measure (FIM)
Time frame: 10-20 weeks
Weiner BJ, Lewis CC, Stanick C, et al. Psychometric assessment of three newly developed implementation outcome measures. Implementation Sci. 2017;12(1):108. 4 items on a 5-point Likert scale from 1-5, with higher scores indicating greater acceptability, appropriateness, or feasibility. This scale has demonstrated promising psychometric properties for the monitoring and evaluation of an intervention's feasibility and acceptability. These measures are available in the public domain.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Veterans who report past-month active suicidal ideation (C-SSRS \[Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale\] \-- or past-3-month suicidal behavior;
- LGBTQ+ or other minoritized gender or sexual identity;
- Have a mental health point-of-contact (e.g., Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Mental Health Treatment Coordinator);
- Willing to complete or update safety plan.
Exclusion criteria
- cannot provide informed consent;
- imminent psychiatric hospitalization;
- current or planned participation in residential/intensive outpatient program that would interfere study participation;
- in a conservatorship; and
- has participated in any previous parts of the study.
Where
- San Diego, California
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Mar 12, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations