TABLE 3.

Main points of consensus in digital monitoring studies of those at risk for suicide and related behaviors

Researchers conducting real-time monitoring studies of those at risk for suicide and related behaviors should strive to: Not exclude participants soley on the basis of elevated clinical severity or suicide risk. Not exclude or remove participants who are not willing or able to meet pre-specified conditions for participant or help-seeking (e.g., remaining in treatment or calling a hotline when at high risk). Provide participants with explicit information about key elements of study procedures during the informed consent process. Collect and retain (during the real-time monitoring period) contact information (phone, email, and home address) from both the participant and at least one collateral to facilitate contacting participants during periods of perceived elevated risk. Address key aspects of technology use and participant safety before proceeding with data collection. Review participant survey responses at least once every weekday. Respond to those determined to be at “imminent risk” for suicide within 12 h of learning of this risk. Collect data about suicidal desire, intent, plan to determine participants’ level of risk. Respond to participants determined to be at high or “imminent” risk for suicide with automated risk assessments, safety plans, and human outreach (depending on risk and type of study) as soon as possible. Store data in de-identified form, in secure servers, and in compliance with HIPAA guidelines. In cases in which data safety and monitoring boards are used they should include at least one person with expertise managing suicide risk.