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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... patients use suicidal threats to manipulate or control clinicians , resentment toward the patient may cloud clinical judgment . The patient's depressive posture of hopelessness may be associated with a curious contagion : despite the ...
... Patient suicide is an unavoidable occupational hazard of psychiat- ric practice that is accompanied by increased malpractice liability exposure . Although the potential for malpractice suits remains high for psychiatrists who treat suicidal ...
... Suicidal Behaviors . " The standard of care must be distinguished from the ... patient's health care deci- sions and the allocation and availability of ... suicide risk assessments are performed and documented that indicate that the ...
... patient . The patient has had suicidal ideation from time to time but has made no suicide attempts . The patient , upset by the therapist's absence , calls the covering psychiatrist frequently . Exasperated by the number of telephone ...
... patient for med- ication management every 15 minutes from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. , with an hour off for lunch and for returning telephone calls . The psychiatrist has had a difficult day , falling behind in his ap- pointments . The patient ...
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 |