Guidelines on the clinical management of suicidal patients in psychiatric units

R Gardner

doi:10.1192/pb.13.10.561

Abstract

Views differ as to whether it is feasible – or indeed desirable – to agree on a Code of Practice with respect to the clinical management of suicidal patients in psychiatric units (Morgan, 1988). At Fulbourn Hospital (Gardner, 1988) we have developed some guidelines which might, if suitably modified, be used elsewhere; they are appended below.

Highlights

1.2 Staff may sense that a patient is suicidaltabtieocnausoer social withdrawal, or because of expressions of hopelessness or refusal of food
They should share these suspicions with other members of the ward team and it is essential for an individ ual assessment of the patient to be carried out
3.1 Most suicidal patients admitted to Fulbourn Hospital have already been identified as such by the referring agent, usually their general practitioner or the general hospital

Summary

Introduction

1.2 Staff may sense that a patient is suicidal (despite doef ntihael opfastiueincti'dsalinthcoreuagshintsg otreninstieonnt,ioangsi)tabtieocnausoer social withdrawal, or because of expressions of hopelessness or refusal of food. 3.8 A previously suicidal patient may telephone or come to the ward while on weekend leave or after discharge: In the case of a telephone call give the patient an opportunity to talk; find out their whereabouts; assess the need for another person to be involved, e.g. a relative or neighbour, general practitioner, community psychiatric nurse or the police - and take the necessary action.

Results

Conclusion