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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... therapists that may create a doctor - patient relationship • Practicing online consultation · • · Giving clinical ... therapist • Having a lengthy telephone conversation with a prospective patient • Treating an unseen patient by mail ...
... therapy and medication management . A working alliance is present . A number of medication regimens have been tried , pro- ducing only moderate improvement . The patient is referred for consultation regarding other possible ...
... therapist asks a psychiatrist to cover her practice while she is away . The ther- apist provides the covering ... therapist's absence , calls the covering psychiatrist frequently . Exasperated by the number of telephone calls , the ...
... therapist and the psychiatrist , alleging negligent treat- 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 ...
... 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 brought for ECT use is low . The American Psychiatric Association ...
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 |