A Human Systems Integration analysis of the Army suicide prevention program

Abstract

A Human Systems Integration (HSI) analysis of the Army Suicide Prevention Program (ASPP) was conducted to gain feedback from soldiers and leaders. The scope of this study limited analysis to the prevention activities associated with the ASPP system. A retrospective analysis of Army suicide statistics from 20082011 was conducted prior to data collection. During 24 in-person interviews, soldiers assessed the importance of the four user needs, the usefulness of the systems interfaces, and overall effectiveness of the system. The research team drew conclusions about two of the four research questions. The study determined there were mismatches between the needs of the users and the system resources and concluded the stigma associated with seeking help is a hindrance to help-seeking behaviors. The system mismatches were translated into four system gaps and eight recommendations. The diversity and feedback of the participants was noteworthy and provided vital insight into the suicide issue within the military and the Armys effort to address the problem. Recommendations for future research are: including poor sleep quality as a risk factor for suicide, including self-awareness as a protective factor for suicide, implementing more evidence-based approaches to care, and leveraging lessons learned from college-based suicide prevention.