An Innovative Approach to Suicide Prevention: The Jaspr Trial at UMass Memorial Health

Every minute in the Emergency Department (ED) counts for patients in crisis — and the right tools, backed by research, can save lives. This mindset drives the partnership between UMass Memorial Health and UMass Chan Medical School, where evidence becomes action to improve patient and family care.

The Medical School designs studies and analyzes outcomes, while our clinicians implement related interventions in real time. One urgent challenge is providing timely support for patients with suicidal thoughts.

Early in 2025, a randomized clinical trial of Jaspr, a tablet-based suicide-prevention tool, was launched in the EDs of UMass Memorial Medical Center’s University Campus, UMass Memorial Health – HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital, and UMass Memorial Health – Marlborough Hospital.

“Suicide is a growing problem, especially as mental health services decrease,” said Jemima Amankwah, RN, Nursing Manager for Emergency Mental Health at the Medical Center. On a Thursday morning in September, she counted 26 behavioral health patients, six with suicidal thoughts.

Jaspr gives patients something powerful: a sense of control. Using these tablets, patients can create personalized safety plans, identify coping strategies and connect to resources, guided by videos from people who have faced similar struggles. Clinicians review these plans, add them to the medical record and ensure they support treatment. Patients leave with a copy and can access it later through MyChart, extending care well beyond the ED visit.

“Because patients wait so long in many EDs, we try to integrate Jaspr into the care pathway as early as possible so they’re not just sitting around doing nothing,” said Edwin Boudreaux, PhD, Executive Vice Chair of Research in the Department of Emergency Medicine.

“Jaspr’s a good tool at your fingertips, and that’s the most important part once they leave here,” Jemima added. “If I can just pull up my phone and say, OK, these are the resources I have immediately. This is my safety plan. That can save a life. I don’t have to wait until I get to the ED to wait hours to see a provider before I start to breathe again. I can start breathing while I look at my resources.”

Next steps include analyzing results and expanding Jaspr across the other UMass Memorial Health EDs. Beyond helping people in crisis, Jaspr frees up ED space, supports doctors and nurses, and strengthens community resources. By putting research into practice, this partnership is saving lives and creating a model that other communities can follow.

The Jaspr welcome screen lists some activities that might help a patient:

• Shared Stories: Hear the stories of other people who have experienced feeling suicidal

• Comfort and Skills: This area has things that could help you feel better and make waiting easier.

• Suicide Status Interview: Answer questions about what you are going through to help you get the help you need.

• Takeaway Kit: Save your favorite activities and your plan so you stay safe after you leave.•