What should clinicians do after identifying high suicide risk in a patient?

After identifying that a patient is at high risk for suicide, clinicians should engage in a comprehensive approach to ensure the patient’s safety and well-being. Developing a safety plan through discussion with colleagues is critical as it fosters collaboration and the sharing of insights, which can lead to a more robust and tailored plan for the patient. This approach allows clinicians to address immediate safety concerns while also considering the patient's unique circumstances and needs.

A safety plan typically involves identifying warning signs, coping strategies, and resources, including emergency contacts and support systems, which are essential in navigating through a crisis. This cooperative effort also enables clinicians to remain vigilant and informed about the best practices in suicide prevention and treatment.

In contrast, simply referring a patient to a long-term care facility does not address the immediate needs or conditions of the patient, and may not always be appropriate or necessary. Assessing the substance of the patient's plans is essential, but dismissing them undermines the gravity of the risk. Lastly, assuming that a patient is exaggerating their risk fails to take their expressions seriously, potentially putting them in greater danger. Therefore, collaborative dialogue and the development of a safety plan directly address the urgent concern of suicide risk.