Risk Assessment Flashcards
Risk Assessment Sections
CHAIR C - Current Statement H - past History A - Attempt I - Illness R - Risk factors
Risk Assessment - Current Statement
Roughly speaking
Low risk
- Thinking about suicide, but no plans yet
Moderate risk
- Suicidal plans are vague, unrealistic or unclear
High risk
- Realistic plans with the intention to complete the suicide attempt
Risk Assessment - past History
The best predictors for the future is the past
Risk Assessment - Attempt
Was the attempt potentially lethal, did the patient expect to die?
Risk Assessment - Illness
Psychiatric high risks are
- Depression
- Psychosis
- Drug and alcohol abuse
- Delirium
Medical high risks are
- Chronic pain
- Terminal demands
- Disfiguring demands
- Involve high demands (dialysis)
Risk Assessment - Risk factors
- Living in isolated rural settings
- Divorce or separation
- Unemployment
- FHx of suicide
- Male
Risk Management Sections
Management of risk is all about good STAFF S - Safety T - Treatment A - Attenuation of stressors F - Follow-up F - Fraternity
Risk Management - Safety
Does the patient require to be treated under the Mental Health Act?
Risk Management - Treatment
A bio-psycho-social approach
Risk Management - Attenuation of stressors
Stressor may be from a relationship, work, school, legal issues, sexuality etc.
Some cannot think of other options apart from self-harm or suicide.
Often a suicide attempt is a means of communication
Risk Management - Follow-up
Imperative
Risk Management - Fraternity
Dealing with risk is stressful. Ensure that there are peers or seniors to talk with and share the load.
