Speakers
Description
In Canada, older adults represent the second highest rate of suicide among all population groups, resulting in the 12th leading cause of death in this age group. Despite this information, suicide prevention and awareness are often overlooked in this specific population (WHO, 2014).
Working with fourth year Brock BScN nursing students, a survey was conducted to understand whether frontline staff were aware of Niagara Region policies and procedures, staff roles in suicide risk assessment, interventions, and confidence in completing suicide risk assessments. From here, it became evident that developing and implementing a risk-based assessment for suicide would be important to improve overall practice across the eight long-term care homes.
A gap analysis was completed and determined there was no standardized assessment for suicidal ideation or behaviours used in our long-term care homes. There were no staff training resources specific to how to approach residents with suicidal ideation and community and organizational supports available to help these individuals. The analysis also found further education was required surrounding residents with depression and dementia and how to engage with families to support resident mental health.
The working group used the Zero Suicide Toolkit which was implemented by Niagara Region Public Health in partnership with St. Joseph’s Health Care in London, Ontario to educate and empower staff at all levels to take an active role in suicide prevention, identification, and management. Training was provided to RNs and RPNs, along with leadership team members to understand the new policies and procedures to reflect the work completed by this working group.
Admitting nurses now screen for suicidal ideation or attempt/behaviours for all new admissions. If there is any previous documentation of such on admission, a standardized screening assessment is completed to determine the risk for the specific resident.
What RNAO BPG or tool/toolkit is this work related to:
Assessment and Care of Adults at Risk for Suicidal Ideation and Behaviour
Author(s) Credentials and Title
Alexis Lamsen, Manager Clinical Practice, RN, MScN, GNC © IIWCC
Laura Matthews, Manager Clinical Practice, MPH, BScN, RN, CIC®, LTC-CIP®
Keywords
BPG, suicide, older adults
| Organization Name | Niagara Region |
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