Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services
Vol. 46 No. 7 July 2008
By Mark Anthony Lynch, MSN, RN; Patricia B. Howard, PhD, RN; Peggy El-Mallakh, PhD, RN; Joanne M. Matthews, RN, MSN, PMHCNS-BC
ABSTRACT
Suicide in inpatient psychiatric settings is a critical problem. A comprehensive literature review was performed to determine risk factors for inpatient suicide, instruments for assessing suicide, and treatment of hospitalized suicidal patients. Findings suggested that root causes of inpatient suicide were factors related to the treatment environment, failure to assess patient behavioral characteristics, and staff reliance on no-suicide contracts. Recommendations include assessing suicide risk regularly throughout hospitalization, including on admission, during changes in a patient’s mental or physical status, after a change in observation level, and before discharge. Orientation and inservice education for all staff and additional research on the psychometric properties of available suicide assessment instruments are also essential.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Lieutenant Lynch, Navy Nurse Corps, is stationed at the National Naval Medical Center, In-Patient Behavioral Health, Bethesda, Maryland; and Dr. Howard is Associate Professor and Director, Master’s and Doctor of Nursing Practice Programs, College of Nursing, and Ms. Matthews is Patient Care Manager, Chandler Medical Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington; and Dr. El-Mallakh is Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky.
The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Navy, the Department of Defense, nor the United States Government.
The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity, including research support.
Address correspondence to Peggy El-Mallakh, PhD, RN, Assistant Professor, University of Louisville, School of Nursing, 555 South Floyd Street, Suite 3091, Louisville, KY 40202; e-mail: p0elma01@louisville.edu.
