Suicide Prevention: An Emerging Priority For Health Care.
Suicide is a significant public health problem. It is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States, and the rate has risen in recent years. Many suicide deaths are among people recently seen or currently under care in clinical settings, but suicide prevention has not been a core priority in health care. In recent years, new treatment and management strategies have been developed, tested, and implemented in some organizations, but they are not yet widely used. This article examines the feasibility of improving suicide prevention in health care settings. In particular, we consider Zero Suicide, a model for better identification and treatment of patients at risk for suicide. The approach incorporates new tools for screening, treatment, and support; it has been deployed with promising results in behavioral health programs and primary care settings. Broader adoption of improved suicide prevention care may be an effective strategy for reducing deaths by suicide.
Michael F. Hogan (dr.m.hogan@gmail.com) is a clinical professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Michael F
MF
Hogan
Julie Goldstein Grumet is the director of health and behavioral health initiatives at the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, in Washington, D.C.
Julie Goldstein
JG
Grumet
D006801:Humans; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011634:Public Health / Q000379:methods*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013405:Suicide / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States; D000092864:Suicide Prevention
Evidence-Based Medicine; Mental Health/Substance Abuse; Suicide