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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... intervention , fearing that should litigation ensue the case may be compromised : the grief - stricken treater , swept away by emotion , may blurt , " It's all my fault ! " or " It was your abuse that killed him ! " or " Don't blame us ...
... interventions and safety precautions ) Ordinarily , only the patient with whom the psychiatrist has estab- lished a doctor - patient relationship can file a malpractice claim . No duty is owed to any family members . However , wrongful ...
... interventions pro- vide the best malpractice defense . DEFENSES TO A MALPRACTICE CLAIM The best defenses to a malpractice claim are preemptive . Gutheil and Appelbaum ( 2000 ) identified the basis of malpractice litigation to be the ...
... interventions is good clinical care and the essence of clinically based risk management . Documentation of the risk assessments supports good patient care and substantiates clinical judgment ( American Psychiatric Association 2002 ) ...
... interventions . For example , forgoing the use of electroconvulsive therapy ( ECT ) when it is indicated for a severely depressed patient at high risk for suicide is unduly defensive , even unethical . In fact , the number of lawsuits ...
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 |