Course Goals:

According to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC; 2021a), suicide and suicide attempts take a tremendous emotional and economic toll on the families and loved ones of those who engage in suicidal behaviors. Not only does the suicidal behavior of a loved cause an emotional toll on family members and place others within the family unit at risk of dying by suicide, but it also results in increased medical costs for individuals and families, lost income for families, and lost productivity for employers and the community as a whole (SPRC, 2021a). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC; 2021d) has identified suicide as one of the top 10 leading causes of death in the 10–65 age group. This topic must be addressed throughout the healthcare community to prevent unnecessary further loss of life. 

Professional Objectives:

1. Outline the prevalence of suicide in the United States and in the State of Washington. 
   
2. Describe the Washington State Suicide Initiative. 
   
3. Identify risk factors and warning signs for suicide. 
   
4. Screen patients for depression and suicidality using various screening forms. 
   
5. Identify levels of risk for suicide. 
   
6. Record proper documentation of suicide risk. 
   
7. Understand when to refer a suicidal patient to a mental health specialist. 
   
8. Address safety for patients who are at risk for suicide through lethal means removal and creation of a crisis response plan. 
   
9. Identify suicide prevention strategies. 
   
10. Identify the resources to assist health care providers in managing suicidal risk in patients. 
    
11. Distinguish between suicide attempts and non-suicidal self-injury.