According to the alert, the rate of suicide in America is increasing rapidly. Suicide is now the tenth leading cause of death, claiming more lives than traffic accidents and homicides.
“At the point of care, providers often do not detect the suicidal thoughts (also known as suicide ideation) of individuals (including children and adolescents) who eventually die by suicide, even though most of them receive healthcare services in the year prior to death, usually for reasons unrelated to suicide or mental health,” according to the alert. “Timely, supportive continuity of care for those identified as at risk for suicide is crucial, as well.”
The Joint Commission provided suggested actions in the alert related to suicide ideation detection, as well as the screening, risk assessment, safety, treatment, discharge and follow-up care of at-risk individuals.
Here are eight steps the organization suggests healthcare providers take to improve the identification and treatment of patients who may be suicidal.
1. Look for suicide risk factors in each patient’s personal and family medical history.
2. Employ a brief, standardized, evidence-based questionnaire to screen all patients for suicide ideation.
3. Conduct a second questionnaire to screen patients before they leave an appointment or are discharged.
4. Determine the level of safety measures needed using the assessment provided by The Joint Commission.
5. Include patients and their providers, family and friends in the assessment and treatment process, as deemed appropriate.
6. Create treatment and discharge plans that directly target suicidality, to help improve outcomes for at-risk patients.
7. Educate and train staff in patient care settings about how to identify and respond to patients with suicide ideation.
8. Be sure to document any decisions made regarding the care and referral of patients at risk for suicide.
To learn more, access the full Sentinel Event Alert here.
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