Guidelines to Suicide Prevention in the Hospital (IN: The Psychology of Suicide: a Clinician’s Guide to Evaluation and Treatment, edited by E S Shneidman, N L Farberow, & R E Litman)

This chapter begins with a discussion of the incidence of patient suicide in the hospital. Reasons why hospital patients may commit suicide are outlined; factors which may increase suicide risk are mentioned. The identification of the potentially suicidal patient, environmental safeguards & the communication of orders for care are examined. Attitudes toward suicidal patients & legal implications for hospitals are discussed. An appendix provides guidelines for suicide prevention in the hospital.