Page 5 - Demo

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Support that matches the needs of each person
The suicide screening tool is validated by evidence, Dr. Lang said, but the tool itself is only part of an effective suicide-prevention framework. “There has to be a relationship and a connection with the patient,” she said.
Each stratification of risk — low, moderate or high — triggers a different response according to the suicide assessment clinical pathway developed at Christiana Care,
Dr. Lang said.
Patients at low risk are those who have thought of suicide passively but have no plan, intent or means to carry it out. These patients are offered an opportunity to speak with a mental health provider, Dr. Lang said.
At moderate risk levels, psychiatric evaluation is offered along with a deeper dive into the patient’s risk. This includes questions about previous attempts and protective factors at home, such as family and community support.
“We need to use our expert social providers to perform further assessments and develop a safety plan.
There has to be a relationship and a connection with the patient.”
Linda Lang, M.D.
A patient at imminent risk of suicide is encouraged to seek admission to an inpatient psychiatric unit, such as the inpatient behavioral health facility at Wilmington Hospital.
Delaware law allows hospitals to commit patients against their will if they are a danger to themselves or others.
“We try to find the least restrictive environment, though there are some people who are not able to accept help at that moment for whom protecting their well- being is necessary,” Dr. Lang said.
The team continues to implement the suicide screening process at Christiana Care, with plans developing to expand it into primary care practices. As discussions about suicide risk become part of daily practice in caring for patients in the Emergency Department, positive results are ensuing.
“We’ve learned that we can reduce stigma by asking questions and having a dialogue about this important issue,” Dr. Lang said.
That stigma can be potent for the people most at risk of suicide. Corcoran said her brother was never able to talk about his troubles.
“He was quite the charmer, and people wouldn’t have been able to tell there was a problem,” she said. “Maybe if he’d talked to his doctor about how he was feeling he could have received counseling.” n
FROM MAY THROUGH SEPTEMBER OF 2017
3,200 of Christiana Care Emergency Department patients were identified as having some risk of suicide.
FOCUS • FEBRUARY 2018 3