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Laredo Public Health exploring digital screenings, apps and wearables for suicide prevention; clinical efficacy still uncertain
Summary
Dr. Montes outlined the local health department’s research into computerized adaptive screening, mobile crisis apps and wearables; the committee noted ethical, legal and data‑sharing questions before any deployment.
Doctor Montes, identified in the meeting as the community health administrator for the Laredo Public Health Department, told the committee the department is researching several suicide-prevention technologies that could be considered for local use.
Montes said the department is evaluating computerized adaptive testing for mental‑health screening, automated screening in primary care and schools, and several commercial mobile applications (examples mentioned included Crisis Text Line and MyStrength). He described exploratory use of predictive analytics on digital assessments and potential pilots using machine‑learning analysis of electronic health records and social‑media monitoring to detect people expressing suicidal ideation.
Montes cautioned that clinical effectiveness varies. “There was a study…that said 1 of the 46 [had an effect],” Montes said, summarizing preliminary findings and urging clinical review. Committee members raised the need to vet apps for privacy, cost, and availability on iOS and Android; Montes said many apps are available on both platforms and some are grant‑funded.
Members told Montes the committee should prioritize centralized data collection if multiple platforms are adopted, to avoid siloed information that hampers forecasting and coordinated outreach. A Laredo College representative described a commercially available app the college will offer students; college staff said the app includes live counselors selected by the student and is intended to augment, not replace, clinical services.
The committee identified next steps: the health department will continue inventorying technology options and coordinate with local clinical partners; members asked Montes to share app names and any available evaluations, and to contact Integral Care of Texas (a model cited in the discussion) about their risk‑assessment integration. No pilot or procurement was authorized at the meeting.
Ending: The department will circulate a list of candidate tools and relevant studies; clinical partners will vet efficacy and privacy before any local trial or adoption.
