OVERVIEW

Clinical Guidelines for Assessment and Management of Patients at Risk of Suicide is organized by AAACEUs. This Course has been approved for a maximum of Credit Hours: 18.

Description:
This course is the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense’s Clinical Practice Guideline for Assessment and Management of Patients at Risk of Suicide. This guideline is designed to address the key principles of identification, management, rehabilitation and clinical care for patients at risk for suicide.

Course Objectives:
• To promote evidence-based management of patients presenting with Suicidal Self-Directed Violence behavior
• To promote efficient and effective assessment of patients' risks
• To identify efficacious intervention to prevent death in individuals presenting with Suicidal Self Directed Violence behavior
• To identify the critical decision points in management of patients at risk for Suicidal Self-Directed Violence
• To promote evidence-based management of individuals with (post-deployment) health concerns and behaviors related to Suicidal Self-Directed Violence
• To inform local policies or procedures, such as those regarding referrals to or consultation with specialists
• To motivate administrators at each of the Federal agencies and patient care access sites to develop innovative plans to break down barriers that may prevent patients from having prompt access to appropriate assessment and care.

Course Outline:
• Introduction and Background
• Algorithm:
1. Assessment and Management of Risk for Suicide in Primary Care
2. Evaluation and Management of Risk for Suicide by Behavioral Health Professionals
3. Management of Patient at High Acute Risk for Suicide
• Module A: Assessment and Determination of Risk for Suicide
• Module B: Initial Management of Patient at Risk for Suicide
• Module C: Treatment of the Patient at Risk for Suicide
• Module D: Follow-up and Monitoring of Patient at Risk for Suicide
• Appendices.