Citation

Chunduri S, Browne S, Pollio DE, Hong BA, Roy W, Roaten K, Khan F, North CS. Arch. Suicide Res. 2019; 23(1): 1-14.

Affiliation

The Altshuler Center for Education and Research at Metrocare Services , The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center , Dallas , TX , USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, International Academy of Suicide Research, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13811118.2017.1414648

PMID

29281594

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To explore suicide risk identification and flow of patients with differing suicide risk through the Psychiatric Emergency Service (PES) to their clinical dispositions.

METHODS: Three focus groups (N = 15 psychiatric providers working in the PES of a large urban teaching hospital) discussing suicide risk assessment in the PES were conducted, followed by thematic analysis.

RESULTS: Seven themes were identified in 624 coded passages. In focus groups conducted to explore suicide risk assessment, discussions shifted to broader matters, e.g., frustrations with the system in which the providers worked.

CONCLUSION: Four main messages emerged: screening tools cannot replace clinical judgment; the existing electronic health record is not efficient and sufficiently informative; competing demands challenge PES psychiatrists; and post-discharge patient outcome data are needed. These concerns suggest directions for improving patient care.

Language: en

Keywords

AVH, auditory or visual hallucinations; HI, homicidal ideation; SI, suicidal ideation; focus groups; improvement of care; psychiatric emergency service; psychiatric providers; qualitative analysis; suicide risk assessment