Use of a mnemonic to support suicide intervention training for nursing students

Abstract

Suicide is a global problem that is currently attracting significant focus. Within the U.K. the reduction of deaths caused by suicide is a goal for each of the home nations and has led to the development of initiatives enhancing training on the recognition and management of suicide risk. Many of the groups associated with heightened risk of suicide are in contact with health services and as a result nurses will frequently encounter people who are suicidal. This is recognised within the recently updated NMC proficiencies for nurse education which mandates proficiency in suicide risk management for nurses qualifying within all fields of nursing. As part of a review of suicide intervention training one university developed the TIPTOES mnemonic to support student nurses gradually develop confidence and competence in suicide intervention.