Working with the Suicidal Patient: A Guide for Health Care Professionals

Working with the Suicidal Patient: A Guide for Health Care Professionals, is a useful tool for assessment and management of suicidality for providers without a mental health background, including those that may be working in an acute care/emergency setting.

Task One: ASSESS

• Assess current suicidal ideation
• Obtain details if there is a suicidal plan
• Gather details on current and previous attempts
• Obtain information on psychiatric and other history
• Conduct mental status examination

Task Two: ADVISE

• Provide meaning and support
• Develop a safety plan
• Provide Information
• Follow-up
• Communicate with families/ significant other(s)
• When to make a specialist referral