A RECENT clinical trial sheds light on how interruptive clinical decision support (CDS) systems can significantly enhance suicide risk assessments in healthcare settings. Conducted at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, this study demonstrates that on-screen pop-up alerts are more effective than noninterruptive tools in prompting in-person risk evaluations for patients identified as high risk by statistical models.
Suicide prevention hinges on identifying risk, intervening early, and providing follow-up care. Traditional approaches, such as patient self-reporting or face-to-face screening, can leave gaps. The trial tested whether interruptive CDS alerts could close these gaps by leveraging a validated suicide attempt risk model integrated into routine clinical workflows.
The randomized trial, involving 561 patients across 596 clinician encounters, compared two CDS approaches: interruptive pop-ups and noninterruptive patient panel icons. Results were compelling: interruptive CDS prompted in-person risk screening in 42% of encounters, compared to just 4% with noninterruptive CDS. This marked a dramatic improvement from the baseline screening rate of 8% documented in the previous year.
The study highlighted the practicality of integrating interruptive alerts into clinical systems without overwhelming providers. Although no documented suicidal ideation or attempts occurred during the trial, the increased rate of screenings underscores the potential of this approach to save lives.
“This research emphasizes the need for larger-scale trials to evaluate whether interruptive CDS can directly reduce suicidal behaviors,” the authors concluded. Such trials would also help balance effectiveness with potential alert fatigue in busy clinical environments.
As healthcare systems increasingly adopt digital tools, this study reinforces the value of using evidence-based risk models to support clinical decision-making and prioritize patient safety. With suicide rates remaining a pressing concern, these findings could inform future innovations in mental health care delivery.
Healthcare professionals are encouraged to explore how CDS tools might be adapted to their workflows to improve suicide prevention efforts.
Reference: Walsh CG et al. Risk Model–Guided Clinical Decision Support for Suicide Screening. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(1):e2452371.
Anaya Malik | AMJ
