Module 3.3: Risk management

Question 1

define ‘risk’ in terms of MH

Answer 1

Whether a person has the potential for self-harm, either actively or passively, or is considered to pose a risk for hurting someone else.

Question 2

Why is risk management one of the critical tasks of MH nurses? (5)

Answer 2

• assess the risk to the overall health & safety of the person & those around them.
• reduce the likelihood of an adverse event occurring
• assess the needs of the person with a focus on their strengths.
• Appropriate plan of action.
• A therapeutic working relationship will assist in support/trust/validation.

Question 3

Describe / link how risk relates to the likelihood of an event occurring?

Answer 3

in the context of:

1) how likely it is the event will occur
2) imminence of the event occurring (how soon)
3) How severe the outcome will be if it does occur.

Question 4

List some risk factors the nurse may look for when assessing a patient with MH disorder. (8)

Answer 4

• What is the risk?
• Who is at risk?
• What is the chance of the risk occurring?
• How immediate is the risk?
• Over what timeframe is the risk being assessed?
• What factors increase or decrease the risk?
• Are alcohol/drugs involved?
• What do we need to do to reduce or manage the risk?

Question 5

Define risk management

Answer 5

the process where a plan of care is designed to address identified needs and to continue to assess & evaluate the interventions.

• Determining risk (risk assessment)
• risk to self (maintaining safety in the workplace)
• Managing aggression - prevention of violence
• Assessment of suicidal or non-suicidal self-injury

risk management is not complete until a risk plan is developed, communicated and implemented.

Question 6

List the 3 parameter of risk

Answer 6

1) Static factors : historical factors - don’t change over time.
2) Dynamic factors: changing / psychosocial stressors.
3) Future factors: link to static 7& dynamic factors / repeat exposure to factors.

Question 7

Why is developing safe work practices essential?

Answer 7

developing safe work practices will enable you to maintain patient privacy and confidentiality whilst also ensuring the safety of all those in the work environment.

Question 8

List 7 safe work practices when conducting an interview with a patient

Answer 8

1) single room with the door open
2) open area removed from other patients
3) if in a room, sit closest to the exit
4) if possible have an alarm system available
5) maintain at least an arms length between you and the patient
6) consider doing the interview in pairs (another clinician)
7) consider security guard