New Patient Safety Resource Outlines Evidence-Based Approach to Preventing Suicide

A new “Web M&M - Cases & Commentaries” entry from AHRQ’s Patient Safety Network illustrates the importance of evidence-based strategies to recognize and treat patients at risk of suicide when they are seen at hospitals and emergency departments. The resource features narratives that describe the cases of two patients whose acute medical conditions prevented comprehensive psychiatric evaluations even though both men had histories of excessive alcohol consumption and suicidal ideation. Both were found dead after being treated for their medical conditions and discharged. Continuing education credit is available for healthcare professionals who complete the case exercise, Missed Opportunities for Suicide Risk Assessment.