Suicidality in chronic noncancer pain patients.
Patients with chronic pain have high rates of suicide. To examine whether our practice guidelines are effective in decreasing suicidality among chronic noncancer pain patients, we performed a retrospective review. From June 2003 through June 2005, approximately 50,000 patients were subjected to a set of universal precautions for chronic noncancer pain management. Approximately 20% underwent psychological assessments. Fewer than five suicide attempts could be identified, and no patient completed suicide. Our results suggest that universal precautions used in treating chronic noncancer pain patients may help reduce suicidality in this patient population.
Gilbert
John W
JW
Spine and Brain Neurosurgical Center, Lexington, Kentucky 40503, USA. sbncmd@gmail.com
Wheeler
Greg R
GR
Storey
Ben B
BB
Mick
Gregory
G
Richardson
Gay
G
Westerfield
Gloria
G
Broughton
Patricia
P
D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D010146:Pain / Q000523:psychology*; D059408:Pain Management; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology*; D013997:Time Factors