NCT07325474 · Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
Plan and Protect: Safety Planning for Teens in Rural Emergency Departments
What this study is about
The goal of this observational study is to determine whether implementing a culturally sensitive, tablet-based safety planning program called Plan \& Protect (P\&P) within rural emergency departments can improve home safety and reduce suicide risk in adolescents presenting to the emergency department with suicide-related concerns.
View original scientific description
The goal of this observational study is to determine whether implementing a culturally sensitive, tablet-based safety planning program called Plan \& Protect (P\&P) within rural emergency departments can improve home safety and reduce suicide risk in adolescents presenting to the emergency department with suicide-related concerns. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Will implementing P\&P increase caregiver-reported home safety (reduce access to firearms and unsafe medication storage) for adolescents 12-17 years old presenting to rural EDs with suicidal ideation, self-harm, or mental health crisis? * Will implementing P\&P decrease adolescent-reported perceived suicide risk and related outcomes (e.g., suicide events, and attendance at follow-up mental healthcare)? Researchers will compare outcomes for adolescents and caregivers receiving P\&P (implemented as the new standard of care at sites during the intervention periods) to those receiving usual care (prior to P\&P implementation at those hospitals) to see if P\&P increases home safety and decreases suicide risk and related healthcare utilization.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Plan & Protect safety planning intervention
Plan and Protect (P\&P) is a tablet-based, family-centered quality improvement program targeted to rural Northern New England that combines a youth-facing safety-planning module with a caregiver-facing home safety decision aid and youth safety information. The goal is to help adolescents and their caregivers develop concrete, culturally-sensitive safety plans during emergency department visits.
BEHAVIORAL
Care as usual
Adolescents and caregivers will receive treatment as usual at the Emergency Department.
Primary outcome measures
Improved Home Safety (caregiver)
Time frame: 30 and 90 days after ED visit
Reduced access to firearms and medications at home. This will be collected with five questions about presence of medications and firearms at home, if they are stored unlocked, and if firearms are loaded. We will measure improvement in safety across the time frame.
Suicide Risk (youth)
Time frame: 30 and 90 days after ED visit
The Concise Health Risk Tracking (CHRT) is a 9-item survey that assesses suicidal thoughts and behaviors in the past week, with response options ranging 0-4. Total scores range 0-36, with higher scores indicating more severe suicidality. Primary outcome will be assessed relative to the baseline assessment assessed at the time of study enrollment.
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
- for children:
- 12-17 years of age (and their parent/caregiver(s))
- Ability to speak and complete surveys in English
- History of emergency department visit for suicidality, self-harm or mental health crisis
- Medically stable
Exclusion criteria
- for children:
- Cognitive or developmental delays that preclude program participation based on clinical team assessment
- Diagnosis of psychosis
- Primary diagnosis of an eating disorder
- Parent/guardian not able to provide consent in English
- Clinical team concern for patient or staff safety based upon active behavioral concerns
- Parent/guardian not available to provide consent (e.g youth is in child protective custody/ward of the state) Inclusion criteria for parents/caregivers:
- Parent or caregiver of an eligible child
- 18 years old or older
- Ability to speak and complete surveys in English Exclusion criteria for parents/caregivers: -Inability to understand key aspects of the study
Where
- Claremont, New Hampshire
- Keene, New Hampshire
- Lebanon, New Hampshire
- New London, New Hampshire
- Windsor, Vermont
Collaborators
National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), Trustees of Dartmouth College
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 Oct 2, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations