Revisiting "suicide proofing" an inpatient unit through environmental safeguards: a review.
OBJECTIVE
This article identifies the types of environmental safeguards within psychiatric facilities that can be implemented to protect suicidal individuals from harming themselves. The history and variety of safeguards are discussed, as well as recommendations for administrators regarding making their units safer.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of environmental safeguards is one of the first steps in decreasing inpatient suicides.


CONCLUSIONS
Inpatient nurses need to be aware of the environmental dangers in their units and of the safeguards that should be implemented. Recommendations include training programs, environmental tours, and effecting indicated structural changes.
Cardell
Rebecca
R
College of Nursing, Washington State University, Walla Walla, WA, USA. cardellb@wsu.edu
Bratcher
Kevin S
KS
Quinnett
Paul
P
D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D006778:Hospitals, Psychiatric / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D018570:Risk Assessment; D017751:Safety Management / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012931:Social Environment; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000517:prevention & control; D000092864:Suicide Prevention