Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk: Guidelines for Clinically Based Risk Management

by Robert I Simon

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Author: Robert I Simon

Publisher: American Psychiatric Association Publishing

Hardcover:
ISBN 10: 1585621226
ISBN 13: 978-1585621224

Patient 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.

Review

It should be read by clinical practitioners of all stripes.

-- (02/01/2005)

The book describes in fluid text and detailed terms the intricacies of malpractice litigation, suicide assessment and management, and suicide aftermath. Each chapter includes relevant case studies that aptly exemplify the variety of situations that psychiatrists may face in treating suicidal patients. Additionally, at the end of each chapter the preceding text is summarized in useful bullet points to reinforce central messages. Comprehensive reference lists are also included.

--Psychiatric Times

From the Inside Flap

In this book, written by a clinician for clinicians, Dr. Simon, an established expert in psychiatry and law, presents a thorough examination of the clinical practices that best serve patients and that also protect clinicians from malpractice claims. He uses numerous case examples and extensive references to peer-reviewed literature on suicide and actual malpractice cases triggered by patient suicides to present the key concepts involved in coping with the risks associated with suicidal patients.

Dr. Simon examines how medical malpractice law applies to patient suicides -- the standards of care physicians must meet, the conditions associated with malpractice liability, and the best ways to minimize risks of litigation. He discusses suicide risk assessments and suicide prevention contracts and considers in detail the management of suicide risk in various settings: outpatient, inpatient, emergency, and collaborative. He concludes by describing what clinicians should do in the aftermath of a patient's suicide.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.

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Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk: Guidelines for Clinically Based Risk Management