A Survey of Staff Knowledge of Suicide Risk Factors, Evaluation and Management at a Large Non-Profit Hospice (SA538A)

Abstract

•Explain hospice suicide prevalence.•Identify risk factors for suicide by specialty.•List staff preferences for learning about mental health. Hospice patients are at heightened risk for suicide; however, the extent of staff knowledge regarding evaluation and management of patients who are suicidal is unknown. The purpose of the study was to determine level of staff training in mental health and their knowledge of evaluation and treatment of suicidal ideation. Anonymous 20-item survey distributed via email and on paper to hospice nurses, nursing assistants, social workers, and chaplains who conduct home visits at a large non-profit hospice in southwestern Pennsylvania. All survey responses of interest were categorical in nature and were summarized with frequencies and percentages. Cross-tabulations showed relationships between responses, and significance was tested using a two-sided Fisher’s Exact Test. Eighty-seven staff members responded—a 72% response rate. Twenty-five percent had no mental health training. Thirty percent of employees reported exposure to suspected suicides, and 20% were involved in confirmed cases. More than two-thirds (67.8%) of all staff were not able to identify four risk factors for suicide, with certified nursing assistants (77.3%) and social workers (77.8%) the least proficient. Years of hospice experience did not influence proficiency (p = .568). Staff with mental health training were more likely to ask questions about suicidal plans and means (p=.042), previous suicide attempts (p=.001), and presence of firearms (p=.34). All staff requested more training in mental health, with interactive lectures being the preferred educational format. Variation exists among hospice care providers in their knowledge about mental health and suicide.