The Cost of Universal Suicide Risk Screening for Adolescents in Emergency Departments

• DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20196843
• Publication Date: 2023-09-28T05:51:14Z
• Authors: Kyle L. Grazier; Jacqueline Grupp-...; David Brent; Adam Horwitz; Taylor C. McGuire; T. Charles Casper; Michael W. Webb; Cheryl A. King
• Keywords: Suicide Risk; Adolescent suicide

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents. As nearly 20% adolescents visit emergency departments (EDs) each year, EDs have an opportunity to identify previously unrecognized suicide risk. A novel Computerized Adaptive Screen for Suicidal Youth (CASSY) was shown in a multisite study be predictive attempts within 3 months. This uses site-specific data estimate cost CASSY implementation with general EDs. When used universally all who are present and able participate screening, average USD 5.77 per adolescent. For presenting non-behavioral complaints, 2.60 Costs were driven primarily by time personnel required further evaluation risk those screening positive. Thus, universal using CASSY, at very low costs relative ED visit, can facilitate services needed at-risk