In-patient suicide in psychiatry – an Indian experience

Abstract

Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences (2017), 26, 565-569.

Inpatient suicide: epidemiology, risks, and evidence-based strategies

“…17 The use of suicide risk assessments is now been recommended for all inpatients by the TJC. 12 Furthermore, regular training staff from all disciplines, and encouraged to keep informed with newer evidence related to patient's suicide risk. The poster campaigns and mandatory lectures and training have proven beneficial in identifying and responding to high-risk patients.…”

“…The first week of inpatient care is considered critical, and as much as 77% of deaths by suicide have been reported during this phase. 8,[11][12][13] A systematic review suggested a higher probability of death by suicide in inpatients with schizophrenia when on leave compared with patients with affective disorder. Furthermore, since agreed leaves were usually given later on during the admission, patients with affective disorders have a greater risk earlier in the hospitalization.…”

“…Communication and/or coordination between the at-risk patients and their care providers is paramount to alleviating suicide risk. 12 Psychiatric consultation should be encouraged and set up with appropriate follow-up care is considered an established standard of practice. Increasing length of hospital stay and readmission have shown promising results in preventing suicide risk in psychiatric inpatients.…”

“…Suicide screening should also be developed specifically for the inpatient population, for example, suicidal risks for inpatients with autism spectrum disorder are less studied; therefore, identifying those individuals with unknown risks is critical 17 . The use of suicide risk assessments is now been recommended for all inpatients by TJC 12 . The staff training from all disciplines is encouraged to educate about newer evidence related to suicide risk.…”

“…This also includes educating them about the treatment process and encouraging shared decision-making. Communication and/or coordination between the at-risk patients and their care providers is paramount to alleviating suicide risk 12 . Psychiatric consultation should be encouraged and set up with appropriate follow-up care is considered an established standard of practice.…”