Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk: Guidelines for Clinically Based Risk ManagementPatient suicide is an unavoidable occupational hazard of psychiatric practice. Indeed, it is the rare clinician who does not struggle, even agonize, over the complex task of assessing and managing the risk of suicide in patients. Patient suicides account for the greatest number of malpractice suits filed against psychiatrists and for the greatest number of settlements and verdicts covered by professional liability insurers. In this book, written by a clinician for clinicians, Dr. Simon, an established expert in psychiatry and law, offers A solid, easy-to-understand review of how medical malpractice law applies to patient suicides. He discusses the standards of care physicians must meet, the conditions associated with malpractice liability, and how best to minimize risks of litigation. Extensive references to peer-reviewed literature on suicide and recent malpractice cases, including those triggered by patient suicides, which give insight into the latest developments in both the scientific community and the courts. Much-needed practical advice, including advice on working with suicide risk assessments and suicide prevention contracts, on treating suicidal patients in various settings (outpatient, inpatient, collaborative, and emergency), and on coping with issues arising in the aftermath of a patient's suicide (documentation, confidentiality, and survivor care). Clearly defined risk management guidelines that will help clinicians avoid litigation or establish a sound legal defense if sued for malpractice. Numerous case examples that make the theoretical discussions and clinically based risk management guidelines that follow come alive. Rich in advice that draws on the author's more than 40 years of clinical experience, this book serves as an essential aid to clinicians. |
From inside the book
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... clinician unavailability , insensitivity , and lack of response ; suits have been filed over doctors ' failure to ... clinician's outreach to the family or other survivors . Such “ debriefing ” may help the survivors to resolve some of ...
... Clinicians have attitudes of their own that may pose problems . Asking about suicide — indeed , thinking about suicide - raises anxi- ety , and clinician denial may prevent appropriate exploration of the issue . Because some patients ...
... prove an essential aid to clinicians confront- ing the ultimate . Thomas G. Gutheil , M.D. Professor of Psychiatry Harvard Medical School PREFACE This book is written by a clinician for clinicians. xvi Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk.
... clinician for clinicians who evaluate and treat patients at risk for suicide . It is indeed the rare clinician who does not struggle , even agonize , over the complex , difficult task of assessing and managing the risk of suicide in ...
... clinician is sued for malprac- tice . Although it is a reality that clinicians are frequently sued after a patient attempts or commits suicide , there is no place for destruc- tive defensive practices that demean the clinician's ...
Contents
1 | |
25 | |
Discharge and Aftercare | 36 |
Partial Hospitalization Programs and Intensive | 79 |
5 | 105 |
Emergency Psychiatric Services | 173 |
Documentation | 191 |
Index of Legal Cases and Statutes | 217 |
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Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk: Guidelines for Clinically Based Risk ... Robert I. Simon No preview available - 2004 |