Is it rational to pursue zero suicides among patients in health care? | AHRQ Patient Safety Network

Is it rational to pursue zero suicides among patients in health care? | AHRQ Patient Safety Network

• Commentary
 
• Published October 2018

Is it rational to pursue zero suicides among patients in health care?

Mokkenstorm JK, Kerkhof AJFM, Smit JH, Beekman ATF. Suicide Life Threat Behav. 2018;48:745-754.

Suicide in all settings is considered a sentinel event. This commentary describes an aspirational suicide eradication program. The approach combines direct identification of suicidal behavior and treatment, system-focused process improvements, and organizational safety culture as interdependent strategies for eliminating suicide. A previous WebM&M commentary discussed a suicide attempt on an inpatient medical unit.

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