Screening for Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Older Adults in the Emergency Department.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To estimate the prevalence of self-harm, suicidal ideation (SI), and suicide attempts (SA) in older adults in the emergency department (ED), including differences according to age, sex, and race and ethnicity.

Design

Quasi-experimental, multiphase, eight-center study with prospective review of consecutive charts during enrollment shifts (November 2011-December 2014).

Setting

Eight EDs in seven states, all with protocols for nurses to screen every patient for suicide risk (universal screening).

Participants

Adults (≥18 years) registered in the ED.

Measurements

Demographic characteristics; documented screening for self-harm, SI, or SA; and positive self-harm, SI, or SA in those with screening performed.

Results

Of 142,534 visits, 23.3% we

SUBMITTER: Betz ME 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5073033 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature