Patients' opinions about suicide screening in a pediatric emergency department

Using Behavioral Measures to Assess Suicide Risk in the Psychiatric Emergency Department for Youth

Suicide screening is critical in pediatric emergency departments (EDs). Behavioral measures of suicide risk may complement self-report measures. The current study examines suicide-specific behavioral measures and tests their potential short-term within-person effects among respondents, ability to discriminate future suicide attempt from suicidal ideation, and translation into interpretable categorical composite scores. The sample included 167 youth (10-17 years), presenting for suicide-related reasons to a pediatric psychiatric ED. During their ED visit, participants completed the Death/Life Implicit Association Test (IAT) and the Suicide Stroop Task. Recurrent suicidal thoughts and attempts were assessed within 6 months of the ED visit via medical records and email surveys. Youth displayed a decrease in the levels of distress and self-injurious desires (negative mood, desire to hurt themselves, and desire to die) after completing the behavioral tasks. The Death/Life IAT prospectively differentiated with 68% accuracy between youth who attempted suicide after their ED visit and those who had suicidal ideation but no attempt, p = 0.04, OR = 5.65, although this effect became marginally significant after controlling for self-report and demographic covariates. Neither the Suicide Stroop Task, nor the categorical composite scores predicted suicide attempts, ps = 0.08-0.87, ORs = 0.96-3.95. Behavioral measures of suicide risk administered in the ED do not appear to increase distress or self-injurious desires. They may be able to distinguish those who go on to attempt suicide (vs. consider suicide) within six months after discharge.

Implementation Barriers Encountered During a Universal Suicide Screening Program in Pediatric Emergency Departments

OBJECTIVE

Because understanding barriers to universal suicide risk screening in pediatric emergency departments (PEDs) may improve both identification and management of suicidal behaviors and ideation, this study assessed barriers to a quality improvement initiative examining the use of a novel computerized adaptive test (CAT), the Kiddie-CAT, in 2 PEDs.

METHODS

Research assistants (RAs) trained in Rapid Assessment Procedures-Informed Clinical Ethnography methods documented barriers related to the environment, individuals, and workflow as encountered during screening shifts, categorizing the barriers' impacts as either general to a screening shift or related to screening an individual youth/caregiver dyad. Using thematic content analysis, investigators further categorized barriers based on type (eg, workflow, language/comprehension, clinician attitudes/behaviors) and relationship to the limited integration of this initiative into clinical protocols. Reasons for refusal and descriptive data on barriers are also reported.

RESULTS

Individual screen barriers were most often related to workflow (22.9%) and youth/caregiver language/comprehension challenges (28%). Similarly, workflow issues accounted for 48.2% of all general shift barriers. However, many of these barriers were related to the limited integration of the initiative, as RAs rather than clinical staff conducted the screening.

CONCLUSIONS

Although this study was limited by a lack of complete integration into clinical protocols and was complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic impacts on PEDs, the findings suggest that considerable attention needs to be directed both to physician education and to workflow issues that could impede universal screening efforts.

Implementation of a Suicide Risk Screening Clinical Pathway in a Children's Hospital: A Feasibility Study

OBJECTIVES

Youth suicide is a pressing global concern. Prior research has developed evidence-driven clinical pathways to screen and identify suicide risk among pediatric patients in outpatient clinics, emergency departments (ED) and inpatient hospital units. However, the feasibility of implementing these pathways remains to be established. Here, we share the results of a hospital-wide "youth suicide risk screening pathway" implementation trial at an urban academic pediatric hospital to address this gap.

METHODS

A 3-tier "youth suicide risk screening pathway" using The Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ) was implemented for patients aged 10 to 26 years who received care at an urban academic pediatric hospital's emergency department or inpatient units. We retrospectively reviewed implementation outcomes of this pathway from January 1 to August 31, 2019. The feasibility of this implementation was measured by assessing the pathway's degree of execution, fidelity, resource utilization, and acceptability.

RESULTS

Of 4108 eligible patient encounters, 3424 (83%) completed the screen. Forty-eight (1%) screened acute positive, 263 (8%) screened nonacute positive and 3113 (91%) screened negative. Patients reporting positive suicide risk were more likely to be older and female, although more males required specialty mental health evaluations. Pathway fidelity was 83% among all positive screens and 94% among acute positive screens. The clinical pathway implementation required 16 hours of provider training time and was associated with slightly longer length of stay for inpatients that screened positive (4 vs 3 days). Sixty-five percent of nurses and 78% of social work providers surveyed supported participation in this effort.

CONCLUSIONS

It is feasible to implement a youth suicide risk screening pathway without overburdening the system at an urban academic pediatric hospital.

Urdu-Language Translation and Validation of the Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ) Tool: A Focus on Connotation and Context

Background Suicide is a significant cause of death in the world, and Pakistan, a low- and middle-income country, is no exception. Despite the increasing number of suicides, Pakistan does not have a validated suicide risk screening tool to identify suicide risk in the national language, Urdu, accurately. This study aims to translate and validate the Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ) tool into Urdu for suicide risk screening in Pakistan. Methodology We conducted this study at the Services Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS), a large teaching hospital in Lahore, Pakistan, after receiving the approval of the SIMS Institutional Review Board. The study used a cross-sectional instrument validation study design. The inclusion criteria were youth and adults of both sexes aged 15-45 years, with an ability to understand, speak, read, and write in the Urdu language, who had no cognitive or intellectual limitation to consenting, and who were medically stable to participate. Exclusion criteria included any medical, physical, or cognitive unstable condition to consent or participate. We enrolled 300 participants in our convenience sample from the emergency department (ED), inpatient, and outpatient settings. The ASQ and the ASQ Brief Suicide Safety Assessment (BSSA) were translated and back-translated by Urdu language experts and modified to accommodate cultural and linguistic nuances. The clinician-administered BSSA Urdu version was used as a standard criterion to validate the ASQ by comparing the ASQ-Urdu responses vs. BSSA-Urdu responses. RStudio (version 2023.09.1+494) was used for statistical analyses Results The sample had an enrollment rate of 99.7% (300/301). The sample was 52% female (158/300); the mean age was 27.1 years (SD = 9.4), the overall screen-positive rate was 41.7% (125/300), and 9.3% (28/300) of the participants endorsed a past suicide attempt. In our sample, 35.9% (33/92) of outpatients, 32.2% (19/59) of inpatients, and 49.0% (73/149) of ED patients screened positive on the Urdu ASQ. The screen-positive rate was 16.9% (10/59) for participants aged 17 years and younger, 40.7% (35/86) for participants aged 18 to 25 years, and 51.6% (80/155) for participants aged 26 years and older. Compared to the criterion standard clinician-administered assessment, the Urdu ASQ had a sensitivity of 94.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 85.8%-98.4%), a specificity of 73.9% (95% CI = 67.7%-79.5%), a negative predictive value of 97.7% (95% CI = 94.2%-99.1%), and a positive predictive value of 52.0% (95% CI = 46.4%-57.6%). Conclusions The Urdu ASQ has strong psychometric properties, allowing healthcare professionals in Pakistan and worldwide with Urdu-speaking diaspora to identify individuals at risk for suicide efficiently. Utilizing cultural contexts in adapted screening tools improves the accuracy of suicide detection by ensuring that the tools are relevant, sensitive, and respectful to the cultural context of the individuals being assessed. High screen-positive rates in our pilot study underscore the need for early detection and intervention of suicide as a major global public health problem.

Universal Suicidality Screening in a Pediatric Emergency Department to Improve Mental Health Safety Risk

INTRODUCTION

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth 12 to 18 years of age. Suicidal ideation can be predictive of suicide attempt, so screening for suicidal ideation by emergency nurses can help identify those at risk and facilitate timely intervention. This study evaluates the use of a universal suicide screening using the Patient Safety Screener 3 and the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale to identify youth ages 12 to 18 years experiencing suicide risk and assess factors predictive of suicide risk level.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from patients presenting to the emergency department at an acute care hospital that uses a universal screening program for suicide risk. We determined the frequency of positive screens and performed multivariate analyses to identify predictive factors of scoring high on the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale.

RESULTS

Notably, 9.1% of patients were experiencing some level of suicide risk; 10% of those with positive scores had no mental health history and were not presenting for a mental health reason. After controlling for other independent variables, insurance status, mental health presentation, and known mental health history were significantly associated with Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale score.

DISCUSSION

Universal screening for suicide risk in pediatric emergency departments by nurses is critical for all patients older than 12 years, given that we identified patients at risk of suicide who presented for non-mental health reasons. These patients may not have been identified or referred to treatment if they were not screened for suicidality increasing risk of future suicide attempt.

Factors within the clinical encounter that impact upon risk assessment within child and adolescent mental health services: a rapid realist synthesis

Background

Risk assessment is a key process when a child or adolescent presents at risk for self-harm or suicide in a mental health crisis or emergency. Risk assessment by a healthcare professional should be included within a biopsychosocial assessment. However, the predictive value of risk-screening tools for self-harm and suicide in children and adolescents is consistently challenged. A review is needed to explore how best to undertake risk assessment and the appropriate role for tools/checklists within the assessment pathway.

Aims

To map research relating to risk assessment for child and adolescent mental health and to identify features that relate to a successful risk assessment.

Objectives

To review factors within the clinical encounter that impact upon risk assessments for self-harm and suicide in children and adolescents: i. to conduct a realist synthesis to understand mechanisms for risk assessment, why they occur and how they vary by context ii. to conduct a mapping review of primary studies/reviews to describe available tools of applicability to the UK.

Data sources

Databases, including MEDLINE, PsycINFO®, EMBASE, CINAHL, HMIC, Science and Social Sciences Citation Index and the Cochrane Library, were searched (September 2021). Searches were also conducted for reports from websites.

Review methods

A resource-constrained realist synthesis was conducted exploring factors that impact upon risk assessments for self-harm and suicide. This was accompanied by a mapping review of primary studies/reviews describing risk-assessment tools and approaches used in UK child and adolescent mental health. Following piloting, four reviewers screened retrieved records. Items were coded for the mapping and/or for inclusion in the realist synthesis. The review team examined the validity and limitations of risk-screening tools. In addition, the team identified structured approaches to risk assessment. Reporting of the realist synthesis followed RAMESES guidelines.

Results

From 4084 unique citations, 249 papers were reviewed and 41 studies (49 tools) were included in the mapping review. Eight reviews were identified following full-text screening. Fifty-seven papers were identified for the realist review. Findings highlight 14 explanations (programme theories) for a successful risk assessment for self-harm and suicide. Forty-nine individual assessment tools/approaches were identified. Few tools were developed in the UK, specifically for children and adolescents. These lacked formal independent evaluation. No risk-screening tool is suitable for risk prediction; optimal approaches incorporate a relationship of trust, involvement of the family, where appropriate, and a patient-centred holistic approach. The objective of risk assessment should be elicitation of information to direct a risk formulation and care plan.

Limitations

Many identified tools are well-established but lack scientific validity, particularly predictive validity, or clinical utility. Programme theories were generated rapidly from a survey of risk assessment.

Conclusions

No single checklist/approach meets the needs of risk assessment for self-harm and suicide. A whole-system approach is required, informed by structured clinical judgement. Useful components include a holistic assessment within a climate of trust, facilitated by family involvement.

Study registration

This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42021276671.

Funding

This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health and Social Care Delivery Research programme (NIHR award ref: NIHR135079) and is published in full in Health and Social Care Delivery Research; Vol. 12, No. 1. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.

Screening and Assessing Suicide Risk in Medical Settings: Feasible Strategies for Early Detection

Early detection of risk is a key suicide prevention strategy. Given that most individuals who die by suicide visit a health care provider in the year leading up to their death, medical settings are ideal venues for identifying those at elevated risk and bridging them to life-saving care. Clinicians are presented with an opportunity to engage in proactive suicide prevention efforts through practical and adaptable suicide risk screening, assessment, and management processes. Psychiatrists and mental health clinicians are well positioned to assist nonpsychiatric clinicians on the frontlines of this public health problem. This article discusses the importance of identifying people at elevated suicide risk through screening, differentiates screening from assessment procedures, and presents practical strategies for implementing evidence-based screening and assessment tools into practice as part of a three-tiered clinical pathway. Specifically, this article discusses key components that guide embedding suicide prevention strategies into the workflows of busy medical settings.

Electronic Screening for Adolescent Risk Behaviors in the Emergency Department: A Randomized Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION

In this study we aimed to assess the impact of an electronic health assessment with individualized feedback for risk behaviors in adolescents seeking care in a pediatric emergency department (ED).

METHODS

We conducted a randomized control trial using a tablet-based screening program with a study population of adolescents in a busy pediatric ED. The intervention group received the screening program with individualized feedback. The control group received the screening program without feedback. All participants received one-day and three-month follow-up surveys to assess behaviors and attitudes toward health behaviors.

RESULTS

A total of 296 subjects were enrolled and randomized. There was no difference in changes in risky behaviors between the control and experimental groups. A higher proportion of participants in the intervention groups reported that the screener changed the way they thought about their health at one-day follow-up (27.0%, 36/133) compared to the control group (15.5%, 20/129, P = .02).

CONCLUSION

This study successfully tested a multivariable electronic health screener in a real-world setting of a busy pediatric ED. The tool did not significantly change risky health behaviors in the adolescent population screened. However, our finding that the intervention changed adolescents' perceptions of their health opens a door to the continued development of electronic interventions to screen for and target risk behaviors in adolescents in the ED setting.

Provider opinions of the acceptability of Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ) Tool and the ASQ Brief Suicide Safety Assessment (BSSA) for universal suicide risk screening in community healthcare: Potential barriers and necessary elements for future implementation

A convenience sample of community health care providers (N = 19) was asked to preview and rate the acceptability of the Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ) tool and the ASQ Brief Suicide Safety Assessment (BSSA) guide. Providers were also asked about potential barriers to implementation. The majority of participants stated they would be comfortable screening for suicide with the ASQ tool (78.9%; N = 15), that they would recommend the ASQ tool and the BSSA to colleagues (84.2%; N = 16), and that they were "satisfied" or "highly satisfied" with the ASQ and BSSA (88.2%; N = 13). Barriers to implementation reported included a lack of knowledge regarding suicide risk screening and lack of access to behavioral health resources. Education regarding the ASQ, the BSSA, and suicide risk screening are highlighted as crucial elements for future implementation.

Parent and Adolescent Thoughts About Suicide Risk Screening in Pediatric Outpatient Settings

Suicide rates among adolescents in the United States continue to climb and many at-risk youths are undetected. Screening for suicidal thoughts has become the primary approach to identify those at risk, but no studies have assessed reactions to its deployment in pediatric outpatient settings. This mixed-method study assessed parents' and adolescents' thoughts about suicide risk screening in non-psychiatric, pediatric outpatient specialty settings.As part of a multi-site measurement validation study, adolescents (n = 269; ages 10-21) and parents (n = 246) at pediatric specialty clinics in the Midwest completed a survey regarding thoughts about suicide risk screening. Data were collected on tablet computers and transcribed verbatim. Three study team members independently coded transcripts of open-ended responses to identify major themes, and frequency data were analyzed using StataSE 15.1. Inter-rater agreement was substantial (Fleiss' Kappa ranged 75-86%).Parents (55% 41-50 years of age, 20% male, 80% White) and adolescents (Mean age = 14.3, 50% male, 77% White) agreed medical providers should screen adolescents for suicide risk (93% and 88%, respectively). Majority of parents indicated that the pediatric outpatient setting is appropriate for suicide risk screening. Major themes included the important role of providers in identifying at-risk youth, the potential for screening to prevent suicides, and concerns about iatrogenic risk and misdiagnosis.Most parents and adolescents support screening for suicide risk in pediatric outpatient settings. Nevertheless, some have concerns about the screening process and implications. As suicide risk screening becomes standard practice in adolescent care, it's critical to develop screening processes that maximize comfort and address concerns.

Difference and Analysis of Evaluating Psychological Monitors' Interview and Classmates' Being Interviewed About Suicide

In recent years, suicide has become the leading cause of unnatural death among college students in China. Psychological monitors, as class cadres who manage affairs related to mental health within their classes, are critical in identifying and intervening in psychological crises among their classmates. In China, however, talking about death is a cultural taboo, and many mental health workers have expressed concern about their implementation of interviews about suicide with others. Generally speaking, interviews with suicidal classmates are usually conducted by professional psychological experts and psychological monitors (psychological monitors are non-professional peer counselors in China). Such classmates that have undergone both the aforementioned types of interviews were investigated in this paper. However, this paper focuses on two issues. Firstly, what are the perceptions of classmates who have been interviewed toward the experience of being interviewed by psychological monitors? Secondly, what are the psychological monitors' perceptions of their implementation of interviews about suicide with classmates? In this study, 1,664 classmates who had been interviewed and 1,320 psychological monitors were surveyed by means of an online questionnaire. The results showed that classmates who have been interviewed perceived their experience of being interviewed by a psychological monitor about suicide more positively than the psychological monitors who viewed their implementation of interviews about suicide with classmates. Among the classmates who have been interviewed, three categories of classmates have more positive perceptions of their experience of being interviewed by a psychological monitor about suicide. Category one is males. Category two is those who were willing to seek help from the psychological monitors. Category three is those who had a more correct attitude toward mental illness. Among the psychological monitors, three categories of psychological monitors have more positive perceptions of their implementation of interviews about suicide with classmates. Category one is those who have the experience of implementing interviews with their classmates. Category two is those who have received training. Category three is those who had a more correct attitude toward mental illness. Psychological monitors can interview classmates confidently, and the training of psychological monitors on mental health knowledge should be strengthened in universities.

A rapid review of emergency department interventions for children and young people presenting with suicidal ideation

BACKGROUND

Suicidal ideation is an increasingly common presentation to the paediatric emergency department. The presence of suicidal ideation is linked to acute psychiatric hospital admission and increased risk of suicide. The paediatric emergency department plays a critical role in reducing risk of suicide, strengthening protective factors and encouraging patient engagement with ongoing care.

AIMS

This rapid review aims to synthesise evidence on interventions that can be implemented in the paediatric emergency department for children and adolescents presenting with suicidal ideation.

METHOD

Six electronic databases were searched for studies published since January 2010: PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Cochrane. Outcomes of interest included suicidal ideation, engagement with out-patient services, incidence of depressive symptoms, hopelessness, family empowerment, hospital admission and feasibility of interventions. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to evaluate the quality of studies.

RESULTS

Six studies of paediatric emergency department-initiated family-based (n = 4) and motivational interviewing interventions (n = 2) were narratively reviewed. The studies were mainly small and of varying quality. The evidence synthesis suggests that both types of intervention, when initiated by the paediatric emergency department, reduce suicidal ideation and improve patient engagement with out-patient services. Family-based interventions also showed a reduction in suicidality and improvement in family empowerment, hopelessness and depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Paediatric emergency department-initiated interventions are crucial to reduce suicidal ideation and risk of suicide, and to enhance ongoing engagement with out-patient services. Further research is needed; however, family-based and motivational interviewing interventions could be feasibly and effectively implemented in the paediatric emergency department setting.

Barriers to Universal Suicide Risk Screening for Youth in the Emergency Department

OBJECTIVE

Given the increasing rates of youth suicide, it is important to understand the barriers to suicide screening in emergency departments. This review describes the current literature, identifies gaps in existing research, and suggests recommendations for future research.

METHODS

A search of PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and Web of Science was conducted. Data extraction included study/sample characteristics and barrier information categorized based on the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment model.

RESULTS

All studies focused on inner context barriers of implementation and usually examined individuals' attitudes toward screening. No study looked at administrative, policy, or financing issues.

CONCLUSIONS

The lack of prospective, systematic studies on barriers and the focus on individual adopter attitudes reveal a significant gap in understanding the challenges to implementation of universal youth suicide risk screening in emergency departments.

Universal suicide risk screening: Views of rural adults on acceptability and implementation in primary care

OBJECTIVE

This study gathered data from rural adult primary care patients regarding the acceptability of universal suicide risk screening and preferred methods of implementation.

METHOD

Patients from a rural primary care clinic in southern West Virginia participating in a pilot test of a suicide risk screening program were administered a Screening Opinions Survey and resulting data were evaluated using descriptive and content analyses.

RESULTS

The majority of participants (96%) believed that primary care providers (PCPs) should screen patients for suicide and noted multiple benefits to screening. Most participants described the experience of screening in primary care as positive or neutral and preferred a personalized screening process where the provider asked questions directly. Demographic analyses indicated that males and older adults were less likely to report being previously screened for suicide and that older adults were less likely to support the practice of screening.

CONCLUSIONS

Results provide support for the acceptability of universal suicide risk screening programs to patients in rural primary care and suggest that PCP involvement in the screening process may encourage patient participation. Additional training for PCPs and psychoeducational interventions for older adults may help to address demographic influences on screening practices and engagement.

Adolescent Risk Behavior Screening and Interventions in Hospital Settings: A Scoping Review

CONTEXT

Risky behaviors are the main threats to adolescents' health; consequently, evidence-based guidelines recommend annual comprehensive risk behavior screening.

OBJECTIVE

To review studies of adolescent risk behavior screening and interventions in urgent care, emergency department (ED), and hospital settings.

DATA SOURCES

Our data sources included PubMed (1965-2019) and Embase (1947-2019).

STUDY SELECTION

Studies were included on the basis of population (adolescents aged 10-25 years), topic (risk behavior screening or intervention), and setting (urgent care, ED, or hospital). Studies were excluded if they involved younger children or adults or only included previously identified high-risk adolescents.

DATA EXTRACTION

Data extracted were risk behavior screening rates, screening and intervention tools, and attitudes toward screening and intervention.

RESULTS

Forty-six studies were included; most (38 of 46) took place in the ED, and a single risk behavior domain was examined (sexual health [19 of 46], mood and suicidal ideation [12 of 46], substance use [7 of 46], and violence [2 of 46]). In 6 studies, authors examined comprehensive risk behavior screening, demonstrating low rates at baseline (∼10%) but significant increases with clinician reminder implementation. Adolescents and clinicians were highly accepting of risk behavior screening in all settings and preferred electronic screening over a face-to-face interview. Reported barriers were time constraints and limited resources.

LIMITATIONS

Only 1 included study was a randomized controlled trial, and there was large heterogeneity of included studies, potentially limiting generalizability.

CONCLUSIONS

Rates of adolescent risk behavior screening are low in urgent care, ED, and hospital settings. Our findings outline promising tools for improving screening and intervention, highlighting the critical need for continued development and testing of interventions in these settings to improve adolescent care.

What Caregivers Want: Preferences for Behavioral Health Screening Implementation Procedures in Pediatric Primary Care

There has been a national push for universal psychosocial prevention screening in pediatric primary care. Implementation science highlights the importance of considering patients' perspectives when developing such procedures; however, minimal studies have examined this. The present study employed a mixed-methods design to examine caregivers of pediatric patients' (n = 149) preferences and comfort with psychosocial screening procedures. A subset of participants (n = 20) were interviewed to better understand reasons for responses. Results indicated that caregivers rated screening for physical health, development, emotion and behavior, caregiver adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and child ACEs within primary care as important or very important. The majority of caregivers were not comfortable completing screenings in the waiting room and preferred the exam room. Caregivers primarily preferred the primary care provider to administer screenings and communicate results and recommendations. Parents also preferred the behavioral health provider to provide recommendations on emotion and behavior, parent ACEs, and child ACEs. Qualitative reasons for responses included relationship quality, knowledge of child, expertise, and desire for direct communication. Findings have implications for developing family-centered, trauma-informed practices within primary care, particularly among those within under-resourced rural communities.

Improving Youth Suicide Risk Screening and Assessment in a Pediatric Hospital Setting by Using The Joint Commission Guidelines

OBJECTIVES

Hospitals accredited by The Joint Commission (TJC) are now required to use a validated screening tool and a standardized method for assessment of suicide risk in all behavioral health patients. Our aims for this study were (1) to implement a TJC-compliant process of suicide risk screening and assessment in the pediatric emergency department (ED) and outpatient behavioral health clinic in a large tertiary care children's hospital, (2) to describe characteristics of this population related to suicide risk, and (3) to report the impact of this new process on ED length of stay (LOS).

METHODS

A workflow using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale was developed and implemented. Monthly reviews of compliance with screening and assessment were conducted. Descriptive statistics were used to define the study population, and multivariable regression was used to model factors associated with high suicide risk and discharge from the ED. ED LOS of behavioral health patients was compared before and after implementation.

RESULTS

Average compliance rates for screening was 83% in the ED and 65% in the outpatient clinics. Compliance with standardized assessments in the ED went from 0% before implementation to 88% after implementation. The analysis revealed that 72% of behavioral health patients in the ED and 18% of patients in behavioral health outpatient clinics had a positive suicide risk. ED LOS did not increase. The majority of patients screening at risk was discharged from the hospital after assessment.

CONCLUSIONS

A TJC-compliant process for suicide risk screening and assessment was implemented in the ED and outpatient behavioral health clinic for behavioral health patients without increasing ED LOS.

PCP Opinions of Universal Suicide Risk Screening in Rural Primary Care: Current Challenges and Strategies for Successful Implementation

PURPOSE

Universal suicide risk screening has the potential to address the disproportionately high rates of suicide in the rural United States, as 83% of people who have died by suicide have visited a health care provider in the year prior to their deaths, and rural patients are more likely to visit medical professionals than behavioral health professionals for mental health concerns. This study describes the opinions of primary care providers (PCPs) practicing in a primarily rural state regarding universal suicide risk screening, barriers to implementation, and strategies to increase the feasibility of screening in their practices.

METHODS

In-depth, individual semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted with a sample of PCPs practicing in West Virginia (N = 15). Applied thematic analysis of the data was completed by a team of 3 coders using a consensus-coding methodology.

FINDINGS

The majority of PCPs supported the practice of screening, but they identified multiple barriers, including a lack of access to mental health and crisis support services, concerns about clinic flow and follow-up with suicidal patients, cultural beliefs specific to rural Appalachia, and provider discomfort with screening. Strategies suggested to address these barriers included the use of technology for screening, a multidisciplinary team approach, streamlined methods for screening and risk assessment, co-located behavioral health, and additional trainings for PCPs on the topic of suicide.

CONCLUSION

Future research should examine the efficacy of universal suicide risk screening programs in rural adult primary care that utilize these strategies in diverse samples with longitudinal data.

The Feasibility and Impact of a Suicide Risk Screening Program in Rural Adult Primary Care: A Pilot Test of the Ask Suicide-Screening Questions Toolkit

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and impact of a suicide risk screening program in a rural West Virginia primary care practice.

METHODS

Patients presenting for routine and sick visits were asked to participate in electronic suicide risk screening using the Ask Suicide-Screening Questions tool; screen positive individuals were assessed with the Ask Suicide-Screening Questions Brief Suicide Safety Assessment. Screening program feasibility was evaluated by the proportion of patients consenting to participate, participant Ask Suicide-Screening Questions and Brief Suicide Safety Assessment completion rates, and response to a question asking whether primary care providers should ask about suicide. Screening impact was evaluated quasi-experimentally by comparing electronic medical record documentation of suicide risk screening, assessment, and risk determination in practice patients before and after implementing the screening program.

RESULTS

Over half of the patients approached agreed to participate in a research study about suicide (N = 196; 57.7%). Feasibility of the screening program was demonstrated by the high completion rates for the Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (99.0%) and the Brief Suicide Safety Assessment (100.0%) among study participants. Additionally, 95.4% (N = 187) of participants agreed primary care providers should screen patients for suicide. Suicide screening rates rose significantly between the baseline and intervention phases (5.8% to 61.0%; X² = 200.61, P < 0.001), as did suicide risk detection rates (0.7% to 6.2%; X² = 12.58, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Suicide risk screening was feasible and well accepted by adult patients in rural primary care and has potential to improve suicide risk detection in this setting.

Suicide in the pediatric population: screening, risk assessment and treatment

The number of children and adolescents dying by suicide is increasing over time. Patterns for who is at risk are also changing, leading to a need to review clinical suicide prevention progress and identify limitations with existing practices and research that can help us further address this growing problem. This paper aims to synthesise the literature on paediatric suicide screening, risk assessment and treatment to inform clinical practice and suicide prevention efforts. Our review shows that universal screening is strongly recommended, feasible and acceptable, and that there are screening tools that have been validated with youth. However, screening may not accurately identify those at risk of dying due to the relative rarity of suicide death and the associated research and clinical challenges in studying such a rare event and predicting future behaviour. Similarly, while risk assessments have been developed and tested in some populations, there is limited research on their validity and challenges with their implementation. Several promising suicide-specific treatments have been developed for youth, but overall there is an insufficient number of randomised trials. Despite great need, the research evidence to support screening, risk assessment and treatment is still limited. As suicide rates increase for children and adolescents, continued research in all three domains is needed to reverse this trend.

Successful Suicide Screening in the Pediatric Emergency Department: Youth, Parent, Researcher, and Clinician Perspectives

The purpose of this study was to include youth, parents, researchers, and clinicians in the identification of feasible and acceptable strategies for teen suicide screening in the pediatric emergency department (ED). Concept mapping methodology was used to elicit stakeholder responses. Regarding the most important result of suicide screening for teens in the pediatric ED, suicide prevention and education for parents, friends, and community members was rated easiest to implement, while short- and long-term follow-up and treatment was rated most important. In terms of successful suicide screening for teens in the pediatric ED, provision of resources and information was rated most feasible, and a safe, friendly, private screening environment was rated most important. The concept maps can be used to align suicide risk screening with the priorities and recommendations of pediatric ED stakeholders.

Acceptability of Adolescent Social and Behavioral Health Screening in the Emergency Department

PURPOSE

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends routine screening for social and behavioral health risks (SBHR) in adolescents. Because adolescents who seek care in emergency departments (EDs) may have riskier behaviors than adolescents who access primary care, the ED may be a strategic additional setting for screening. We sought to identify acceptable domains for comprehensive SBHR screening in a pediatric ED.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional survey to assess adolescent and caregiver acceptance of ED-based SBHR screening across multiple domains. Logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with screening acceptance. McNemar's test was used to assess agreement within patient/caregiver dyads across domains.

RESULTS

Among our 516 study participants (347 adolescents and 169 caregivers), those who indicated that they "agree" or "strongly agree" that ED-based screening should be conducted were classified as finding screening acceptable. Acceptability rates ranged from 45.0% (firearm access) to 77.5% (suicidality) among adolescents and 61.5% (firearm access) to 84.0% (substance use) among caregivers. After adjusting for gender, race/ethnicity, and insurance status, adolescents were less accepting than caregivers of screening for: substance use (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: .51; .31, .83; p < .01); violence (aOR: .63; .41, .97; p = .04); depression (aOR: .65; .42, .99; p = .04); human trafficking (aOR: .58; .39, .86; p < .01); and access to firearms (aOR: .47; .32, .70; p < .01). Shared agreement within adolescent/caregiver dyads ranged from 25.2% to 67.1%.

CONCLUSIONS

A majority of adolescents and caregivers agree that ED-based SBHR screening should be conducted across most domains. Caregivers generally had higher rates of screening acceptance than adolescents.

Examining the Unanticipated Adverse Consequences of Youth Suicide Prevention Strategies: A Literature Review with Recommendations for Prevention Programs

OBJECTIVE

Youth suicide is a public health problem in the United States. Suicide prevention programs have been shown to be beneficial; however, knowledge of unanticipated adverse consequences of programs is limited. The objective of this review is to present what is known about these consequences so informed decisions and appropriate planning can be made prior to implementation of suicide prevention interventions.

METHOD

A narrative but systematic review was conducted assessing what is known about adverse consequences utilizing a comprehensive keyword search of EBSCO and PubMed databases. Study populations beyond youth were included.

RESULTS

Unanticipated adverse consequences of suicide prevention interventions were included in 22 publications. Consequences occur at three levels: at the level of the youth, those who identify or intervene with at-risk youth, and at the system level. While rare, unanticipated adverse consequences include an increase in maladaptive coping and a decrease in help-seeking among program targets, overburden or increased suicide ideation among program implementers, and inadequate systemic preparedness.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the benefits of youth suicide prevention outweigh the unanticipated adverse consequences. Nevertheless, these results may be utilized for informed decision-making regarding suicide prevention programming, and to ensure appropriate infrastructure is in place prior to prevention efforts.

Suicide Risk Screening in Pediatric Hospitals: Clinical Pathways to Address a Global Health Crisis

BACKGROUND

Youth suicide is on the rise worldwide. Most suicide decedents received healthcare services in the year before killing themselves. Standardized workflows for suicide risk screening in pediatric hospitals using validated tools can help with timely and appropriate intervention, while attending to The Joint Commission Sentinel Event Alert 56.

OBJECTIVE

Here we describe the first attempt to generate clinical pathways for patients presenting to pediatric emergency departments (EDs) and inpatient medical settings.

METHODS

The workgroup reviewed available evidence and generated a series of steps to be taken to feasibly screen medical patients presenting to hospitals. When evidence was limited, expert consensus was used. A standardized, iterative approach was utilized to create clinical pathways. Stakeholders reviewed initial drafts. Feedback was incorporated into the final pathway.

RESULTS

Clinical pathways were created for suicide risk screening in pediatric EDs and inpatient medical/surgical units. The pathway outlines a 3-tiered screening process utilizing the Ask Suicide-Screening Questions for initial screening, followed by a brief suicide safety assessment to determine if a full suicide risk assessment is warranted. This essential step helps conserve resources and decide upon appropriate interventions for each patient who screens positive. Detailed implementation guidelines along with scripts for provider training are included.

CONCLUSION

Youth suicide is a significant public health problem. Clinical pathways can empower hospital systems by providing a guide for feasible and effective suicide risk-screening implementation by using validated tools to identify patients at risk and apply appropriate interventions for those who screen positive. Outcomes assessment is essential to inform future iterations.

Annual Research Review: Suicide among youth - epidemiology, (potential) etiology, and treatment

BACKGROUND

Suicide is a leading cause of death and a complex clinical outcome. Here, we summarize the current state of research pertaining to suicidal thoughts and behaviors in youth. We review their definitions/measurement and phenomenology, epidemiology, potential etiological mechanisms, and psychological treatment and prevention efforts.

RESULTS

We identify key patterns and gaps in knowledge that should guide future work. Regarding epidemiology, the prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among youth varies across countries and sociodemographic populations. Despite this, studies are rarely conducted cross-nationally and do not uniformly account for high-risk populations. Regarding etiology, the majority of risk factors have been identified within the realm of environmental and psychological factors (notably negative affect-related processes), and most frequently using self-report measures. Little research has spanned across additional units of analyses including behavior, physiology, molecules, cells, and genes. Finally, there has been growing evidence in support of select psychotherapeutic treatment and prevention strategies, and preliminary evidence for technology-based interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

There is much work to be done to better understand suicidal thoughts and behaviors among youth. We strongly encourage future research to: (1) continue improving the conceptualization and operationalization of suicidal thoughts and behaviors; (2) improve etiological understanding by focusing on individual (preferably malleable) mechanisms; (3) improve etiological understanding also by integrating findings across multiple units of analyses and developing short-term prediction models; (4) demonstrate greater developmental sensitivity overall; and (5) account for diverse high-risk populations via sampling and reporting of sample characteristics. These serve as initial steps to improve the scientific approach, knowledge base, and ultimately prevention of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among youth.

Patient Opinions About Screening for Suicide Risk in the Adult Medical Inpatient Unit

As hospital clinicians and administrators consider implementing suicide risk screening on medical inpatient units, patient reactions to screening can provide essential input. This post hoc analysis examined patient opinions about screening for suicide risk in the medical setting. This analysis includes a subsample of a larger quality improvement project designed to screen medically hospitalized patients for suicide risk. Fifty-three adult medical inpatients at a clinical research hospital provided opinions about suicide risk screening. A qualitative analysis of responses to an opinion question about screening was conducted to identify major themes. Forty-three (81%) patients supported screening medical inpatients for suicide risk. Common themes emphasized asking patients directly about suicide, connection between mental/physical health, and the role of screening in suicide prevention. Adult medical inpatients supported screening for suicide risk on medical/surgical inpatient units. Behavioral health clinicians are uniquely poised to champion suicide detection and intervention in the general medical hospital setting. Patient opinions can be utilized to inform thoughtful implementation of universal suicide risk screening in the medical setting.

A Systematic Review of Instruments to Identify Mental Health and Substance Use Problems Among Children in the Emergency Department

OBJECTIVE

Specialized instruments to screen and diagnose mental health problems in children and adolescents are not yet standard components of clinical assessments in emergency departments (EDs). We conducted a systematic review to investigate the psychometric properties, accuracy, and performance metrics of instruments used in the ED to identify pediatric mental health and substance use problems.

METHODS

We searched seven electronic databases and the gray literature for psychometric validation studies, diagnostic studies, and cohort studies that assessed any instrument to screen for or diagnose mental illness, emotional or behavioral problems, or substance use disorders. Studies had to include children and adolescents with mental health presentations or positive screens for substance use. Two reviewers independently screened studies for relevance and quality. Diagnostic study quality was assessed with the four QUADAS-2 domains. Psychometric study quality was assessed with published criteria for instrument reliability, validity, and usability. We present a descriptive analysis of the reported psychometric properties and diagnostic performance of instruments for each study.

RESULTS

Of the 4,832 references screened, 14 met inclusion criteria. Included studies evaluate 18 instruments for identifying suicide risk (six studies), alcohol use disorders (six studies), mood disorders (one study), and ED decision making (need for assessment, admission; one study). Nine studies include a psychometric focus but quality varies, with no studies fully meeting criteria for reliability, validity, and usability. Seven studies examine diagnostic performance of an instrument, but no study has a low risk of bias for all QUADAS-2 domains. The HEADS-ED instrument has good inter-rater reliability (r = 0.785) for identifying general mental health problems and modest evidence for ruling in patients requiring hospital admission (positive likelihood ratio [LR+] = 6.30). Internal consistency (reliability) varies for instruments to screen for suicide risk (α = 0.46-0.97), and no instruments have both high sensitivity and high specificity. The Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ) is highly sensitive (98%) and has strong evidence for ruling out risk (negative likelihood ratio [LR-] = 0.04). Among screening instruments for alcohol use disorders, internal consistency is high for the consumption subscale of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (α = 0.83-0.88) and the Adolescent Drinking Index (α = 0.92). Both instruments also had sound internal validity. Diagnostically, a two-item instrument based on DSM-IV criteria is the most accurate in identifying patients with a disorder (area under the curve = 0.89) and has modest evidence for ruling in and out risk (LR+ = 8.80, LR- = 0.13).

CONCLUSIONS

From available evidence, we recommend that ED clinicians use 1) the HEADS-ED to rule in ED admission among pediatric patients with visits for mental health care, 2) the ASQ to rule out suicide risk among pediatric patients with any visit type, and 3) the DSM-IV two-item instrument to rule in/rule out alcohol use disorders among pediatric patients currently using alcohol. These instruments require minimal to no training or time commitment. We also recommend that clinicians become familiar with each instrument's psychometric properties to understand the quality of the evidence base. In this review, however, we identify methodologic limitations in the evidence base. To develop a robust evidence base, additional research is necessary.

Child Psychiatric Emergencies: Updates on Trends, Clinical Care, and Practice Challenges

Over the past 15 years, the number of pediatric patients presenting to the emergency room in psychiatric crisis has nearly doubled. Suicidality and aggression are among the most common presenting problems, making it important for providers to have up-to-date knowledge about the assessment and management of these frequently encountered clinical issues. Psychometrically sound suicide risk assessment tools are available for use in the emergency room setting, which can be administered efficiently with minimal provider training. Rates of off-label medication use in the pediatric population continue to increase and are often used in the management of acute agitation in the pediatric population. The current literature will be reviewed and summarized for application in emergent treatment settings. Overall, evidence to inform best practice is limited, leading to opportunities for innovation in health care delivery, the development of new research aims, and discussion of challenging clinical dilemmas.

To Ask or Not to Ask? Opinions of Pediatric Medical Inpatients about Suicide Risk Screening in the Hospital

OBJECTIVE

To describe opinions about suicide risk screening in a pediatric medical inpatient sample.

STUDY DESIGN

As part of a larger instrument validation study, 200 pediatric medical inpatients (ages 10-21 years) were screened for suicide risk. Participants completed demographic self-report forms and were asked their opinions about suicide risk screening. Patient responses were recorded verbatim by trained research social workers. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

The majority of adolescents who participated had not been previously asked about suicide (N = 101; 62.3%) and were supportive of suicide risk screening (81.0%). Five salient themes emerged from the qualitative analysis of patient opinions: prevention, elevated risk, emotional benefits, provider responsibility, and lack of harm in asking.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of youth screened for suicide risk on medical inpatient units were supportive of suicide risk screening. Opinion data have the potential to inform screening practices and assure clinicians that suicide risk screening will be acceptable to pediatric patients and their parents. Given the lack of screening in these patients' past experiences, the medical setting is a unique opportunity to capture youth at risk for suicide.

Screening youth for suicide risk in medical settings: time to ask questions

This paper focuses on the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention's Research Prioritization Task Force's Aspirational Goal 2 (screening for suicide risk) as it pertains specifically to children, adolescents, and young adults. Two assumptions are forwarded: (1) strategies for screening youth for suicide risk need to be tailored developmentally; and (2) we must use instruments that were created and tested specifically for suicide risk detection and developed specifically for youth. Recommendations for shifting the current paradigm include universal suicide screening for youth in medical settings with validated instruments.

Universal mental health screening in pediatric primary care: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Universal mental health screening in pediatric primary care is recommended, but studies report slow uptake and low rates of patient follow-through after referral to specialized services. This review examined possible explanations related to the process of screening, focusing on how parents and youth are engaged, and how providers evaluate and use screening results.

METHOD

A narrative synthesis was developed after a systematic review of 3 databases (plus follow-up of citations, expert recommendations, and checks for multiple publications about the same study). Searching identified 1,188 titles, and of these, 186 full-text articles were reviewed. Two authors extracted data from 45 articles meeting inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

Published studies report few details about how mental health screens were administered, including how clinicians explain their purpose or confidentiality, or whether help was provided for language, literacy, or disability problems. Although they were not addressed directly in the studies reviewed, uptake and detection rates appeared to vary with means of administration. Screening framed as universal, confidential, and intended to optimize attention to patient concerns increased acceptability. Studies said little about how providers were taught to explore screen results. Screening increased referrals, but many still followed negative screens, in some cases because of parent concerns apparently not reflected by screen results but possibly stemming from screen-prompted discussions.

CONCLUSIONS

Little research has addressed the process of engaging patients in mental health screening in pediatric primary care or how clinicians can best use screening results. The literature does offer suggestions for better clinical practice and research that may lead to improvements in uptake and outcome.

Asking Youth Questions About Suicide Risk in the Pediatric Emergency Department: Results From a Qualitative Analysis of Patient Opinions

The emergency department (ED) is a promising setting to screen youth for suicide risk. Patient reactions to questions about suicidal thoughts and behaviors during their ED visit have implications for how screening is introduced, developed, and implemented. The current study is a qualitative investigation into patient opinions about screening for suicide risk in the pediatric ED. As part of a subset of a multisite study, 165 participants, 10 to 21 years old, were included in this sub-analysis. Ninety percent (148/165) of participants supported suicide risk screening. Reasons youth support screening included prevention of suicide, detection of at-risk youth, and a lack of other social support. Overall, pediatric patients agreed with suicide risk screening in the ED, citing similar reasons as in a previous investigation, further demonstrating acceptability of suicide risk screening in this setting. A small subset of youth (10%; 17/165) did not support screening for reasons that included a desire to focus on their chief (i.e., nonpsychiatric) presenting concern and fear of iatrogenic risk. Understanding patient opinions, including those in support of and in opposition to screening, can inform implementation practices. Further education about the importance of suicide risk assessment may be a helpful first step in instituting universal screening efforts.