.png){kind=logo}
Predicting and preventing suicide, particularly through the use of machine learning algorithms
Prevent suicides and save lives by predicting ahead of time who is likely to commit suicide. Suicide is a major public health concern in the United States, with the CDC reporting that it is the 10th leading cause of death overall, and the second leading cause of death among military veterans. According to the US Department of Veteran Affairs, 16.8 veterans die by suicide every day. While suicide may sometimes seem to come out of nowhere, research has shown that 90% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosable mental health condition that could have been treated (1).
Veterans are particularly at risk for suicide, as they may be struggling with post-traumatic stress disorders from their time in deployment. While there are efforts from government and healthcare institutions to create safe spaces for individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts, these efforts are often reactive, rather than proactive. As a result, many people may not receive the care and support they need until it is too late, as their mental health has deteriorated over a long period of time. It is important that we prioritize proactive, preventative approaches to addressing suicide, so that we can better support individuals at risk and prevent these tragedies from occurring (2).
The impact of suicide goes beyond the individual who dies by suicide. Suicide can have a profound and lasting impact on the loved ones of the person who dies, as well as on the wider community. This can lead to a range of negative outcomes, such as increased rates of mental health problems, substance abuse, and other health problems among those who have lost a loved one to suicide (2).
Addressing suicide is a complex and multifaceted challenge, requiring a range of interventions and approaches. This can be resource-intensive for hospitals and the healthcare system, as it may require specialized training for healthcare providers, the development of specialized protocols and protocols for care, and the use of advanced technologies and treatments. All of these factors contribute to the importance of suicide as a major public health concern for hospitals and the healthcare system in the US (3).
