Abstract
The authors elaborate on the standards of care for the assessment, management, and treatment of hospitalized suicidal patients. The authors attempt to synthesize the concepts of the minimal standard of care with clinical risk management and clinical judgment. They point out the areas of overlap and where optimum care diverges from legal standards of care. Case examples are provided to illustrate major areas of concern. Alleged failures of omission and commission are discussed. Tables are provided that differentiate duties and responsibilities between and among clinicians, hospital staff, and hospital administration.
MeSH terms
-
Aftercare
-
Cost-Benefit Analysis
-
Diagnosis, Differential
-
Documentation
-
Inpatients
-
Malpractice
-
Mental Disorders / complications
-
Mental Disorders / diagnosis
-
Mental Disorders / drug therapy
-
Mental Disorders / psychology
-
Mental Health Services / legislation & jurisprudence
-
Mental Health Services / standards*
-
Organizational Policy
-
Patient Care Planning
-
Patient Care Team / organization & administration
-
Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
-
Psychotherapy
-
Psychotropic Drugs / administration & dosage
-
Psychotropic Drugs / pharmacology
-
Psychotropic Drugs / therapeutic use
-
Quality Assurance, Health Care / legislation & jurisprudence
-
Quality Assurance, Health Care / standards*
-
Risk Factors
-
Risk Management / organization & administration*
-
Safety
-
Suicide / legislation & jurisprudence
-
Suicide / psychology
-
Suicide Prevention*