Suicide in the Hospitalized Patient

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States and has been on the rise, nationally, since 1999. Sixteen out of 100,000 Americans will take their own life and suicide rates are increasing among all sexes, ages, races, and ethnic groups. Many suicides occur every year in healthcare facilities including psychiatric inpatient units and general hospitals. In addressing the National Patient Safety Goal, Reduce the Risk for Suicide, the Joint Commission developed seven new and revised elements of performance, or EP, that will be applicable to all Joint Commission-accredited hospitals and behavioral health care organizations, effective July 1, 2019. These recommendations address the issues related to environmental hazards impacting suicide and emphasize a safe environment, adequate screening and monitoring of patients and adequate education of staff in assessing, monitoring and caring for the patient at risk for suicide.

Nurses must be educated not only in assessing, monitoring and caring for patients at risk for suicide but also in the provision of counseling and follow-up care, as well as, the support of staff caring for patients who have attempted or completed suicide. 

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