Abstract
Individuals who suffer from mental illness are at an increased risk for suicide. That risk is substantially higher in the post-discharge period from psychiatric hospitalization. Safety planning intervention (SPI) is a common intervention tool that is utilized to mitigate the risk of suicide. Current research notes promising results of SPI use in the emergency department (ED); however, there is limited research regarding SPI use during psychiatric hospitalization on the day of discharge. This paper aims to evaluate current research on the topic and establish a need for more widespread use of SPI during psychiatric hospitalization.
Highlights
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about one in five adults in the USA live with a mental illness
A no-suicide contract is a verbal or written agreement between a patient and their physician in which the patient contractually agreed to abstain from suicidal behavior and seek professional help in times of crisis [8]
No-suicide contracts may ease the clinician’s concern regarding potential suicide risk, there is no evidence to support the effectiveness of no-suicide contracts for reducing suicidal behavior [811]
Summary
Many safety concerns arise from patients suffering from psychiatric illness [1]. Education about mental health illnesses and understanding the specific safety concerns that may arise from those illnesses might aid in mitigating negative consequences. Adverse complications that arise from mental health illness include, but are not limited to, family conflict, social segregation, work conflict, educational problem, financial trouble, legal problem, substance misuse, self-harm, and suicide [2]. Patients diagnosed with a psychiatric illness are at a heightened risk of suicide. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the USA. In people aged 10-34, suicide is the second leading cause of death, and for those aged 35-44, it is fourth [3]. Understanding an individual’s suicide risk is a very important clinical feature that clinicians must address during mental health treatment [4]. The safety and physical well-being of patients remains a top priority for healthcare professionals
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