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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... decision - making process . Experts for the plaintiff ( estate of deceased patient ) and for the defendant psychiatrist will testify regarding the standard of care provided by the psychiatrist . The " skill and care ordinarily employed ...
... decision was affirmed on appeal . The court noted that suicidal patients whose judgment is adversely affected by ... decisions for which one may be held legitimately respon- sible , is the central issue in contributory negligence . The ...
... decision to release a patient from the hospital and place him on convalescent outpatient status , during which time he committed suicide , was not negligent but an act of reasonable medical judgment . As a general rule , a psychiatrist ...
... decision making . Struc- tured or semistructured suicide scales may complement , but should not substitute for , systematic suicide risk assessment . Malone et al . ( 1995 ) found that semistructured screening instruments improved ...
... decisions . Professional organizations recognize the need for developing evi- dence - based and clinical consensus recommendations that can be applied to the management of various diseases , including behav- ioral states such as suicide ...
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 |