Citation

Howe EG. J. Clin. Ethics 2023; 34(2): 117-122.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2023, University Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1086/724281

PMID

37229745

Abstract

In this piece I discuss when care providers should not contact suicidal patients' families to get collateral information from them or hospitalize patients over their objections. I suggest that when these patients are chronically suicidal, overriding these wants may be best in the short run but increase their net risk in the longer run. I also discuss in this regard how contacted families may become overprotective and how hospitalization can be traumatic. I present an alternative approach that can increase these patients' safety over the longer run and relate three practical approaches care providers may find useful: explaining their decisions to patients, monitoring their own fear, and instilling hope.

Language: en