Development and evaluation of a guideline for nursing care of suicidal patients with schizophrenia.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to develop and test an evidence-based guideline that would support nursing care for suicidal patients with schizophrenia.


METHODS
Systematic review of the literature and consultation of experts preceded completion of the guideline. Twenty-one nurses from two mental health institutions tested the guideline for feasibility in nursing practice.


RESULTS
The guideline was found to support discussing suicidality with patients and assessing suicide risk. Participants endorsed implementation of the guideline in mental health care.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses who care for patients with schizophrenia are advised to use this guideline as a foundation for their care.
Meerwijk
Esther L
EL
University of California San Francisco, School of Nursing, San Francisco, CA, USA. esther.meerwijk@ucsf.edu
van Meijel
Berno
B
van den Bout
Jan
J
Kerkhof
Ad
A
de Vogel
Wim
W
Grypdonck
Mieke
M
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D015400:Clinical Nursing Research; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D009426:Netherlands; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods; D010865:Pilot Projects; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology; D000092864:Suicide Prevention