Implementation of the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality in a UK National Health Service adult mental health service: a case series

Abstract

Background: the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) is an evidence-based approach to reducing suicidal ideation. To date, there is limited evidence of the feasibility of implementing CAMS within the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).

Aims: the paper aims to describe the implementation of CAMS in an NHS adult mental health service and to report data on engagement and change in self-rated suicidal ideation.
Method: Data on engagement, suicidal ideation, and care ,pathways were gathered for 88 people who started CAMS.

Results: 75% of participants completed CAMS. Attendance rates were good. Self-rated suicidal ideation decreased significantly, with 68% of completers reporting a decrease. Participants with Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD) showed higher initial ratings of suicidal ideation but similar improvements. Just over half the participants were referred for psychological therapy after CAMS.

Limitations: as an uncontrolled case series, the study could not conclude that changes in suicidal ideation were due to CAMS. It was not possible to report on changes in suicidal behavior. Key demographic data were missing.

Conclusion: implementation of CAMS in an NHS setting appears feasible and merits further study.

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Identifiers

ORCID for Thomas Richardson: orcid.org/0000-0002-5357-4281

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