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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... relationship can file a malpractice claim . No duty is owed to any family members . However , wrongful - death stat- utes allow survivors to recover money damages for a death caused by another person's wrongful act . The right to sue ...
... relationship is created knowingly and voluntarily by both parties . No duty of care is owed to a patient unless a psychiatrist - patient relationship exists . However , a psychiatrist - patient relationship may be established ...
... relationship must exist , creating the following components : • DUTY of care • DEVIATION from the standard of care • DAMAGE to the patient • DIRECT damage caused by the deviation from the standard of care Source . Adapted from Simon RI ...
... relationship • Practicing online consultation · • · Giving clinical advice to prospective patients , friends , and neighbors Making psychological interpretations • Writing a prescription or providing sample medications Supervising ...
... relationship to a reasonable , prudent stan- dard of care . RESPECTED - MINORITY RULE Innovation is critically important to new diagnostic and treatment developments in psychiatry ( Simon 1993 ) . American psychiatry has welcomed ...
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 |