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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... Courts evaluate the psychiatrist's assessment and management of the patient who attempts or commits suicide to determine the rea- sonableness of the suicide risk assessment process and whether the patient's suicide attempt or suicide ...
... court will determine whether a psychiatrist - patient relation- ship existed if a malpractice suit is brought . A number of actions may be construed as creating a doctor - patient relationship ( see Ta- ble 1-2 ) . Online consultations ...
... court in a suicide case was the " duty to exercise that degree of skill and care ordinarily employed in similar circum- stances by other psychiatrists . " The duty of care was that of the " average psychiatrist . " The standard of care ...
... court finds that the psychiatrist did not deviate from the standard of care , then no basis for a malpractice claim exists . Although a lawsuit may follow a patient's suicide , the suicide by itself does not establish that the ...
... court con- cluded that the psychiatrist was not liable for the self - inflicted inju- ries of a patient he had seen ... courts rely on the testimony of expert witnesses to determine the presence or absence of harm to the plaintiff ...
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 |
Other editions - View all
Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk: Guidelines for Clinically Based Risk ... Robert I. Simon No preview available - 2004 |