Predicting and Preventing Hospital and Clinic Suicides (IN: Assessment and Prediction of Suicide, edited by R W Maris et al)

The goal of this chapter in the assessment & treatment of suicidal patients in hospitals & clinics, is to clarify & amplify the process of making & implementing key decisions by the clinician in charge & by mental health staff. Examples are hospitalization itself & the timing of discharge; the institution & discontinuation of special observation & precautions; choices among treatment modalities; & the role of policy & procedure guidelines. (23 Refs.)