Session Description: Accurate and reliable examination skills are important for patient safety and they are critical in planning of appropriate and safe diagnostic studies. In particular, identifying patients that are likely to attempt suicide is one of the 2015 National Patient Safety Goals from the Joint Commission. A significant number of suicide attempts occurring in the hospital setting are on non-psychiatric services. Studies report that patients who attempt suicide are far more likely to have seen their primary care physician in the last month rather than a mental health provider (45% vs 19% in one study).
Speakers: Caitlin Stork, MD
Location: Annbg. 13-16
Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, the student learners will:
- Recognize how accurate and timely suicide risk assessments contribute to improving patient safety
- Identify particular warning signs that suggest a patient may be at an increased risk of suicide
- Perform a preliminary suicide risk assessment
Pre-Session Assignment: Bring your penlights, reflex hammers and tuning forks (512 Hz and 128 Hz)