Brief video training for suicide prevention in veterans: A randomized controlled trial of VA S.A.V.E.

Introduction: VA S.A.V.E. (Signs; Ask; Validate; Encourage/Expedite) is a gatekeeper training developed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that teaches individuals to identify and assist veterans at risk for suicide. Although VA S.A.V.E. has been widely disseminated, rigorous evaluation is lacking.

Methods: In a pilot randomized controlled trial of a brief, video-based version of VA S.A.V.E., individuals were recruited through Facebook, randomized to VA S.A.V.E. versus an attention control condition, and completed 6-month follow-up. A subgroup (n = 15) completed interviews. We used a mixed methods framework to integrate quantitative and qualitative findings.

Results: Among 214 participants, 61% were spouses/partners of veterans and 77% had prior suicide exposure. Sixty-seven percent (n = 68) of VA S.A.V.E. participants watched the entire video, and satisfaction and usability were highly rated. At 6-month follow-up, compared to the control group, the VA S.A.V.E. group had a higher proportion of participants use each gatekeeper behavior (66.7%-84.9% vs. 44.4%-77.1%), and used significantly more total gatekeeper behaviors (2.3 ± 0.9 vs. 1.8 ± 1.0; p = 0.01). Interviews supported positive reactions, learning, and behavior change from VA S.A.V.E.

Conclusion: VA S.A.V.E. merits further investigation into its effectiveness as a brief, scalable gatekeeper training for suicide prevention in veterans.