IPAP Suicide Risk Assessment Tool

Question 1

What does IPAP stand for?

Answer 1

Intent
Plan
Action
Protective measures (Lack thereof increases the risk)

Question 2

What should always be considered when using the IPAP suicide risk assessment tool?

Answer 2

Always consider in conjunction with other known risk factors such as age, gender, employment status and significant life events

Question 3

What questions should be considered in the ‘Intent’ section of the IPAP suicide risk assessment tool?

Answer 3

Is the patient experiencing suicidal thoughts now?

Explore: content, frequency and intrusiveness

Question 4

What questions should be considered in the ‘plan’ section of the IPAP suicide risk assessment tool?

Answer 4

Has the patient made any plans?

• What are they?
• Are they practical?
• Have they been rehearsed?
• Is there access to the means, and are the means readily available?

Question 5

What questions should be considered in the ‘action’ section of the IPAP suicide risk assessment tool?

Answer 5

Has any action been taken, present or past?

Present: Has the patient carried out any acts in anticipation of death (e.g. putting their affairs in order, hoarding medication?|)

Past: History of mental illness, previous suicide attempt, self-harm or substance misuse = higher risk of completing suicide

Question 6

What questions should be considered in the ‘protective measures’ section of the IPAP suicide risk assessment tool?

Answer 6

What support does the patient have access to now?

Consider: family, friends and health and social care services