Development of a Suicide Prevention Intervention for Sexual and Gender Minority Youth and Young Adults: Rationale, Design, and Evidence of Feasibility and Acceptability

Abstract

Background: Patient navigation (PN), paired with the safety planning intervention (SPI), may allay mechanisms that theoretically underlie suicide among sexual and gender minorities (SGM). This paper describes (a) the iterative development of a theory-informed PN + SPI intervention (QueerCare) to prevent suicide among at-risk SGM youth and young adults and (b) a case series examining the feasibility and acceptability of study procedures, measures, and QueerCare. Methods: Seven initial QueerCare modules and a glossary of terms were drafted. Seven participants completed the case series. Feasibility and acceptability over 3 months were examined by triangulating multi-method data. Results: The study procedures and measures in the at-risk population were feasible and sensitive, provided that remote safety monitoring and parental consent waivers were in place. QueerCare was feasible, helpful, and appropriate based on satisfaction ratings and four emerging themes: matched identity care, internalized barriers, support, and flexibility valued. Two additional modules and guardian materials were created. Suicidal crisis management protocols were continuously refined. Conclusion: QueerCare was developed as a highly flexible modular intervention to meet the needs of SGM youth and young adults and prevent repeat suicide attempts in this population. Findings indicate study procedures, measures, and QueerCare were feasible and acceptable based on triangulated data. Trial Registration: This study was registered under ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT04757649.