Implementation of a Universal Suicide Risk Screening Tool in the Emergency Department of a Rural Hospital

Abstract

Purpose: Rural communities are disproportionately burdened by suicide. Isolation, poor economics, a lack of mental health resources, and the use of firearms are major contributing factors to high suicide rates in nonmetropolitan communities. This article will discuss the benefit of implementing the Patient Safety Screener (PSS-3), a universal suicide screening tool, in a rural emergency department as a means to improve identification and suicide care for high-risk individuals. Methods: Data from electronic health records was analyzed to determine how many emergency room patients completed the PSS-3. These values were compared to the total number of patients evaluated in the emergency department each month in order to determine the total percentage of patients screened. Findings: There was an average of 37% increase in suicide screening over four months. Implementing universal suicide screening in a rural emergency department led to improved detection of high-risk suicidal individuals in medical settings. Conclusion: Suicide rates are higher in rural locations than in urban settings. Identifying suicidal patients through suicide screening in an emergency department promotes behavioral health intervention leading to reduced suicide rates.