# CAMS Relational Agent System (CAMS-RAS) for Suicide Prevention

> **NIH NIH R44** · EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE INSTITUTE, INC. · 2020 · $399,828

## Abstract

PROJECT ABSTRACT
 Over 44,000 people die annually by suicide in the United States (US) making suicide the 10th leading
cause of death overall and the second leading cause of death among those 10-44. In addition, 9.8 million
adults contemplate suicide annually, and one million will make a suicide attempt. From 2006 to 2013, the rate
of ED visits for suicidal ideation among adults increased by 12% on average annually. While millions are
devoted annually to prevent suicide, suicide rates are rising in the US. Our ultimate aim is to reduce deaths by
suicide while also reducing unnecessary hospitalization, emergency department (ED) and hospital
readmissions, and stop the revolving-door of acute crisis care through the use of innovative technologies.
 In Phase I, we proposed to: (1) develop and scientifically validate an avatar for use by suicidal ED patients
that delivers the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS), an efficacious and
cost-effective intervention developed by David Jobes, PhD; and (2) to design clinical support tools and Just-in-
Time training for use by ED medical providers to enhance their delivery of an evidence-based suicide protocol
and facilitate an evidence-based approach to discharge disposition. Our work was also guided by Phase I
reviewers’ concerns. We fully met and exceeded project aims. Most notably, we created a 15-minute avatar
(“Dr. Dave”) who performed a portion of the CAMS Suicide Status Interview which was well-liked and
described as helpful by suicidal ED patients who interacted with “Dr. Dave.”
 In Phase II, we propose to complete the development of Virtual CAMS patient and provider tools and to
ready it for EHR integration into EPIC. We will again use an agile process of development and seek feedback
from target end-users. A diverse group of advisors will consult to us to ensure product excellence and
readiness for commercialization. To ensure thorough testing of the product’s provider and patient tools, we will
use a two-condition, randomized study to evaluate Virtual CAMS’ efficacy in preventing suicidal behaviors and
inappropriate/unnecessary hospital admissions, and improving self-efficacy for coping with acute distress.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10070256
- **Project number:** 3R44MH108222-03S1
- **Recipient organization:** EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE INSTITUTE, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Linda A Dimeff
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $399,828
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2015-12-18 → 2021-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10070256

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10070256, CAMS Relational Agent System (CAMS-RAS) for Suicide Prevention (3R44MH108222-03S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10070256. Licensed CC0.

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