Digital safety plan effectiveness and use: Findings from a three-month longitudinal study

Few studies have examined the effectiveness of self -guided smartphone apps for suicide safety planning, despite their increasing use. Participants (n = 610) were self-selected users of the Beyond Now suicide prevention safety planning app with a history of suicidal thoughts and behaviours. Surveys were completed (baseline, one and three months), safety plan content and app usage data was shared. Repeated -measures ANOVAs examined changes in suicidal ideation and suicide -related coping over three months. Multiple regression models were used to predict suicidal ideation and suicide -related coping at one- and three-month follow-ups with plan -related variables: perceived usefulness, personalised content, app use time and co-authoring of the plan with a third party. Significant reductions in suicidal ideation and increases in suicide -related coping were found over three months. Higher suicide -related coping at three months predicted lower suicidal ideation. Higher perceived usefulness and personalised content at three months were associated with higher suicide -related coping, but not suicidal ideation. App use time and co-authoring were not significantly related to suicidal ideation or suiciderelated coping. Practitioners should empower clients to create safety plans with personalised (not generic) strategies that a client perceives to be useful. Such plans may strengthen beliefs about coping with suicidal ideation, which in turn reduces suicidal ideation over time.