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
Results 1-5 of 63
... Medication Management 115 Patient Suitability 118 Clinically Based Risk Management 119 References . 121 Appendix : Sample Letter From the Psychiatrist to a Psychotherapist . 123 6 Inpatients Introduction .. Case Example Discussion ...
... medications and re- fers the patient for psychiatric treatment . Two weeks following the interview , the examinee ... medication . Table 1-2 . Actions by therapists that may create a Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk Standard of Care.
... medications Supervising treatment by a nonmedical therapist • Having a lengthy telephone conversation with a prospective patient • Treating an unseen patient by mail · • Giving a patient an appointment Telling walk - in patients that ...
... medication regimens have been tried , pro- ducing only moderate improvement . The patient is referred for ... medications and in the frequency of vis- its . Within hours of the session , the patient commits suicide . A malpractice suit ...
... medications . Because the psychiatrist is rushed , he erroneously prescribes an antihypertensive medication instead of her usual antidepressant drug . The names of the two drugs are very similar . The patient does not recognize the ...
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 |