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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... reasonable , prudent practitioner , " is applied to the unique fact pattern of individual cases . The law does not require the mental health professional to provide ideal , best practice or even good patient care . The clinician's legal ...
... reasonable anticipation that harm or injury is likely to result from certain acts or omissions ( Black 1999 ) . The law does not require defendants to " foresee events which are merely possible but only those that are reasonably ...
... reasonable care under the same or similar circumstances . Physicians , however , have needed only to conform their provision of care to the customs of their peers ( Peters 2000 ) . An increasing number of states are rejecting the ...
... reasonably conclude that the patient does not represent a significant suicide risk . If the patient were to commit suicide without a warning or a reasonable sign of intent , then the death would likely be considered " unforeseeable ...
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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 |