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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... ment of suicidal illness may fail . When this happens , survivors may initiate a lawsuit , blaming the mental health professionals for mal- practice . This presents a paradox . Because suicide is " self - murder , " why should anyone ...
... ment criteria for involuntary hospitalization . A second consultation is obtained . Based on the psychiatric consultant's suggestions , the psychiatrist and patient agree to continue outpatient treatment , implementing changes in ...
... ment and abandonment . Although the defense attorney concedes that the psychiatrist's failure to respond to the patient's calls may constitute substandard care , he argues that the patient's suicide attempt was the result of combining ...
... ment by a psychiatrist , who monitors medication , and a master's- level psychologist , who conducts the psychotherapy . The psychia- trist has a high - volume practice in which he sees a patient for med- ication management every 15 ...
... ment practices against institutionalized patients ) . Psychiatrists can also become embroiled in administrative , licensure , and ethics pro- ceedings . NATIONAL PRACTITIONER DATA BANK On September 1 , 1990 , the National Practitioner ...
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 |