Effectiveness of a 12-month telemedicine-based follow-up in reducing suicide reattempts: A multicentre non-randomized controlled study

Abstract

Background and objectives

Suicide attempts are a significant public health issue, with a high risk of relapse within 3–12 months following an initial attempt. Telemedicine-based follow-up interventions have emerged as a promising low-cost strategy for preventing reattempts, but the optimal duration and structure of these programs remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a 12-month telemedicine-based follow-up intervention in reducing suicide reattempts compared to treatment as usual (TAU).

Methods

This multicenter, prospective, non-randomized controlled study was conducted in two hospitals in the Basque Country, Spain. A total of 140 patients with a recent suicide attempt were included, with 70 receiving a structured 12-month telephone follow-up in addition to TAU, and 70 receiving TAU alone. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who reattempted suicide within 12 months. Secondary outcomes included time to first reattempt and the impact of adherence to the intervention response.

Results

Patients in the intervention group had a significantly lower rate of reattempts (21.4 % vs. 41.4 %, p = 0.011), fewer total reattempts (p = 0.031), and a longer time to first reattempt (p = 0.032) compared to the control group. Cox regression analysis showed a 54 % reduction in the risk of reattempts in the intervention group (HR=0.46, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

A 12-month telemedicine-based follow-up significantly reduces suicide reattempts and delays relapse, supporting its integration into standard mental health care for individuals at high risk of suicide.