Impact of the National Suicide Hotline Number on Care of Outpatient Psychiatric Patients

Background: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has selected 988 as the number for mental health crisis and this came into effect in July 2022. It is not clear how aware psychiatric patients are of this event, and how much impact this will have on outpatient psychiatric care. Methods: Prior to the introduction of 988, the authors performed a study of patients attending the outpatient psychiatric clinic at the department of psychiatry’s outpatient services. The study comprised of a one-page questionnaire to acquire qualitative and quantitative data on patients’ knowledge and acceptance of the change in the access of the suicide prevention number. Results: A total of 74 outpatient psychiatric patients were surveyed during the course of the study. Most (87.8%) of surveyed individuals denied memorisation of their local mental health crisis or suicide prevention hotline number. Of the 24 individuals who reported previously having called a crisis hotline, over one-third (37.5%) reported difficulty remembering or finding the number. In response to the introduction of a three-digit crisis hotline number, 63.5% (47) of surveyed individuals reported both increased confidence in receiving prompt, effective psychiatric care, and greater likelihood of seeking help with the three-digit number. Finally, 77.0% (57) stated that a three-digit number would be more easily remembered than current options. The majority (89%) of responders were not aware of the 988 hotline number. Conclusion: Patients believe the 988 number will be a helpful tool in their care. One year after its introduction, awareness of 988 has barely changed.