Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk: Guidelines for Clinically Based Risk ManagementPatient suicide is an unavoidable occupational hazard of psychiatric practice. Indeed, it is the rare clinician who does not struggle, even agonize, over the complex task of assessing and managing the risk of suicide in patients. Patient suicides account for the greatest number of malpractice suits filed against psychiatrists and for the greatest number of settlements and verdicts covered by professional liability insurers. In this book, written by a clinician for clinicians, Dr. Simon, an established expert in psychiatry and law, offers A solid, easy-to-understand review of how medical malpractice law applies to patient suicides. He discusses the standards of care physicians must meet, the conditions associated with malpractice liability, and how best to minimize risks of litigation. Extensive references to peer-reviewed literature on suicide and recent malpractice cases, including those triggered by patient suicides, which give insight into the latest developments in both the scientific community and the courts. Much-needed practical advice, including advice on working with suicide risk assessments and suicide prevention contracts, on treating suicidal patients in various settings (outpatient, inpatient, collaborative, and emergency), and on coping with issues arising in the aftermath of a patient's suicide (documentation, confidentiality, and survivor care). Clearly defined risk management guidelines that will help clinicians avoid litigation or establish a sound legal defense if sued for malpractice. Numerous case examples that make the theoretical discussions and clinically based risk management guidelines that follow come alive. Rich in advice that draws on the author's more than 40 years of clinical experience, this book serves as an essential aid to clinicians. |
From inside the book
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... disorder , the mental health professions have targeted suicide as an unfortunate outcome to be combated through the treatment of mental illness . But like all treatments , treat- ment of suicidal illness may fail . When this happens ...
... mental health providers in cases of suicide now follows this reasoning . Some background may be useful here . In purely legal terms , medical malpractice has taken place when , as a direct result of medical negligence , some harm occurs ...
... mental health professional . The specific legal language , usually " care ordinarily employed " or the " reasonable , prudent practitioner , " is applied to the unique fact pattern of individual cases . The law does not require the mental ...
... mental health professional • Providing treatment during an evaluation or consultation Source . Adapted from Simon RI : Clinical Psychiatry and the Law , 2nd Edition . Washington , DC , American Psychiatric Press , 1992. Used with ...
... mental health context , include respect for the physical integrity of oneself , respect for others and for their property , and obeying the law . However , because of psychiatric impairment , there are limits 12 Assessing and Managing ...
Contents
1 | |
Suicide Risk Assessment | 25 |
Discharge and Aftercare | 36 |
Partial Hospitalization Programs and Intensive | 79 |
5 | 105 |
Emergency Psychiatric Services | 173 |
Documentation | 191 |
217 | |
Other editions - View all
Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk: Guidelines for Clinically Based Risk ... Robert I. Simon No preview available - 2004 |