Environmental risk factors in hospital suicide
Document Type
Journal Article
Publication Date
12-1-2004
Journal
Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior
Volume
34
Issue
4
DOI
10.1521/suli.34.4.448.53740
Abstract
Suicide of hospitalized patients is the most common sentinel event reviewed by The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Shorter lengths of stay, sicker patients, and higher patient to staff ratios challenge the ability of the hospital to maintain safety. Risk factors associated with the physical environment of the inpatient psychiatric unit, cited as the most common root cause of inpatient suicide, may be neglected because evaluation of these factors is generally not included in medical education and training. Minimization of fixtures that can facilitate strangulation and other high risk aspects within the hospital environment is an important element in the prevention of suicide on psychiatric units.
APA Citation
Lieberman, D., Resnik, H., & Holder-Perkins, V. (2004). Environmental risk factors in hospital suicide. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 34 (4). http://dx.doi.org/10.1521/suli.34.4.448.53740