Veterans crisis line callers with and without prior VHA service use.

Year: 2016 Source: Archives of Suicide Research.(2016).20(3):314-322.DOI:10.1080/13811118.2015.1017681 SIEC No: 20160329

This study examines differences between Veterans with and without prior Veterans Health Administration service use who received a clinical referral from the VeteransÕ Crisis Line. Differences between groups were identified using data taken from 13,444 calls and medical records. Approximately 91% of Veterans had a history of service use and 9% did not. Callers with prior service use were older, had more mental health disorders, made in-person contact more quickly, and used more outpatient mental healthcare. Those without prior service use were younger, had more mental health problems, and presented for care later. Callers with suicide-related diagnoses had high rates of service contact. These groups represent different subpopulations with unique healthcare needs and practices.

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Britton, P.Kopacz, M.et al.