Veteran Perspectives on the Veterans Crisis Line Lethal Means Safety Pilot

Body of Abstract: Abstract Title: Veteran Perspectives on the Veterans Crisis Line Lethal Means Safety Pilot.

Tracks and subcategories: Military, Veterans & First Responders; suicide prevention, lethal means safety; innovative interventions

IRB Approval: This program evaluation was done as a quality improvement activity for the VCL and was deemed to not be research. Program Guide 1200.21 provides guidance about authorization of manuscripts that have been developed through non-research activities. All VHA authors of this manuscript attest that the activities that resulted in producing this manuscript were not conducted as part of a research project, but as part of the nonresearch evaluation conducted under the authority of the VCL. Thus, in accordance with the ethical standards of the VA, there was no research oversight committee involvement.

Abstract:
Qualitative interviews were conducted with Veterans who received cable gun locks and/or medication takeback envelopes after a call to the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) as part of the VCL’s pilot. This evaluation aimed to understand the perspectives of Veterans on lethal means safety counseling and their feelings towards receiving cable gun locks and medication takeback envelopes. Nine Veterans participated in qualitative interviews. Interviews were conducted by telephone using a semi-structured interview guide and were recorded and transcribed. Interviews focused on their experience during and after the call, the usefulness and practicality of the devices offered, and recommendations for improvement. Transcripts were analyzed using content analysis, a method which systematically condenses data into an organized summary of key results to form categories and themes. All participants were U.S. military Veterans, ages 25 to 63 years old. Seven identified as male and two as female. Veterans from seven states across the U.S were represented, including California, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. Results demonstrate that Veterans used or planned to use the cable gun locks and medication takeback envelopes. They appreciated receiving cable gun locks and medication take back envelopes, stating that they felt cared for and valued the convenience of having items mailed to their home. Veterans stated that this pilot boosted their trust in the VCL and the Department of Veterans Affairs, which led some to make other positive lifestyle choices, such as seeking/reengaging with mental health services, being more active in the community, and connecting with peers.