JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Abstract Background Suicidal ideation is increasing among university students. Despite growing demand for services, university counseling centers (UCCs) face limited resources to meet the complex needs of suicidal students. The Comprehensive Adaptive Multisite Prevention of University student Suicide (CAMPUS) Trial evaluates four treatment sequences within UCCs to develop evidence-based treatment guidelines. Methods The CAMPUS Trial consists of a feasibility study followed by a sequential multiple assignment randomized trial (SMART). The original CAMPUS protocol was modified during the COVID-19 pandemic to accommodate new UCC telemental health services, including remote treatment, assessments, and monitoring. A smaller-scale feasibility study was conducted to (1) evaluate implementation of hybrid telehealth/in-person interventions, and (2) to fine-tune online procedures. Results from the feasibility study are detailed separately [1]. Following the feasibility study, university students (ages 18-25) seeking UCC services with moderate to severe suicidal ideation will enroll in the CAMPUS Trial. Student participants are randomly assigned to one of four treatment sequences, with two stages of intervention. In Stage 1, students receive either 4-6 weeks of: (1) a suicide-focused treatment – Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) or (2) Treatment as Usual (TAU). Treatment responders enter the maintenance phase. In Stage 2, non-responders are re-randomized for an additional 1-8 weeks of: (1) CAMS or (2) an intensive skills-based treatment – Dialectical Behavior Therapy for UCC settings (CC-DBT). UCC counselors will enroll in the CAMPUS Trial to complete measures about their experience working with suicidal students. CAMPUS Trial administration includes representation from all sites to facilitate cross-site coordination, and an advisory board of stakeholders from all UCCs to facilitate treatment implementation. Results Student participant recruitment began October 25th, 2022 and ended May 16th, 2024. At the time of this publication, data collection for the SMART was ongoing with active study participants. The anticipated date of completion for data collection is December 2024. Full results will be available in 2025. Conclusions The CAMPUS Trial offers a model for future SMARTs for the treatment of suicidal thoughts or behaviors (or both) across various settings. Results will inform treatment guidelines for students presenting with suicidality at UCCs. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04707066; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04707066