Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of emergency department providers in the care of suicidal patients.

ABSTRACT:

Background

We sought to examine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of emergency department (ED) providers concerning suicidal patient care and to identify characteristics associated with screening for suicidal ideation (SI).

Methods

Six hundred thirty-one providers at eight EDs completed a voluntary, anonymous survey (79% response rate).

Results

The median participant age was 35 (interquartile range: 30-44) years and 57% of the participants were females. Half (48%) were nurses and half were attending (22%) or resident (30%) physicians. More expressed confidence in SI screening skills (81-91%) than in skills to assess risk severity (64-70%), counsel patients (46-56%), or create safety plans (23-40%), with some differences between providers. Few thought mental heal

SUBMITTER: Betz ME 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4350671 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature