In terms of worrisome aspects of history, these are key questions: Has there been a recent severely distressing loss, disappointment, or threat? Does the patient lack social support from family, friends, church, and/or work? Is there an active substance abuse problem?
In bivariate analysis, imminent intent, an actionable plan, hopelessness, psychological pain, agitation, and wish for death were all significantly correlated with staff recommending suicidal observation or intense suicidal observation. On multivariate analysis, expressed intentions, wish for death, and hopelessness remained significant, Dr. Roca said.
Among hospitalized patients who attempted suicide, 17% had expressed imminent attempt or actionable plan; psychological anguish, hopelessness, and/or family history of suicide were each present in 58%; and 75% had three or more risk factors that were identified by the admitting clinician.
Lastly, it’s important to continuously perform risk assessment on vulnerable patients throughout the course of treatment.
Dr. Roca reported that he had no disclosures.