Barriers and Facilitators of Suicide Risk Assessment in Emergency Departments: A Qualitative Study of Provider Perspectives

Authors

Megan L. Petrik, University of Colorado
Peter M. Gutierrez, University of Colorado
Jon S. Berlin, Medical College of Wisconsin
Stephen M. Saunders, Marquette UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Publication Date

11-2015

Publisher

Elsevier

Source Publication

General Hospital Psychiatry

Source ISSN

0163-8343

Original Item ID

DOI: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2015.06.018

Abstract

Objective

To understand emergency department (ED) providers’ perspectives regarding the barriers and facilitators of suicide risk assessment and to use these perspectives to inform recommendations for best practices in ED suicide risk assessment.

Methods

Ninety-two ED providers from two hospital systems in a Midwestern state responded to open-ended questions via an online survey that assessed their perspectives on the barriers and facilitators to assess suicide risk as well as their preferred assessment methods. Responses were analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis approach.

Results

Qualitative analysis yielded six themes that impact suicide risk assessment. Time, privacy, collaboration and consultation with other professionals and integration of a standard screening protocol in routine care exemplified environmental and systemic themes. Patient engagement/participation in assessment and providers’ approach to communicating with patients and other providers also impacted the effectiveness of suicide risk assessment efforts.

Conclusions

The findings inform feasible suicide risk assessment practices in EDs. Appropriately utilizing a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to assess suicide-related concerns appears to be a promising approach to ameliorate the burden placed on ED providers and facilitate optimal patient care. Recommendations for clinical care, education, quality improvement and research are offered.

Comments

Accepted version. General Hospital Psychiatry, Vol. 37, No. 6 (November/December 2015): 581–586. DOI. © 2016 Elsevier B.V. Used with permission.

Recommended Citation

Petrik, Megan L.; Gutierrez, Peter M.; Berlin, Jon S.; and Saunders, Stephen M., "Barriers and Facilitators of Suicide Risk Assessment in Emergency Departments: A Qualitative Study of Provider Perspectives" (2015). Psychology Faculty Research and Publications. 187.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/psych_fac/187