Developing a clinically meaningful and feasible suicide risk assessment measure for use in emergency settings

Abstract

Background: Suicide is a major cause of death in Scotland and despite the prevalence, no official policy exists for assessing suicide risk within emergency wards. The aim of this project is to develop an evidenced-based, clinically informed suicide risk assessment screening measure, suitable for use in emergency settings. Method: The project has three stages. Stage 1) systematic reviews exploring risk and protective factors of suicide will be conducted. Stage 2) will identify current suicide risk assessment practice in A&E units across Scotland. Stage 3) data from Stages 1 and 2 will be collated and a screening measure will be developed in line with fast and frugal decision science and presented to a panel of experts to seek validation. Expected Results: The systematic reviews have uncovered new risk and protective factors that have been brought about by recent societal changes. Also, it is expected that different regency departments in Scotland will have different methods of assessing for risk. Current Stage of Work: At present, the systematic reviews have been completed and ethical approval has been granted for a number of NHS health boards thus far, to which questionnaires are being sent. Discussion: This project will provide information on current suicide risk assessment practice across Scotland, which will be used to develop a screening measure that can be used in emergency settings. It is hoped that the measure will guide clinicians to provide patients with the appropriate care, and that clinicians will gain confidence in assessing for suicide risk.