Assessment and management of the risk of suicide

Assessment and management of suicide risk within the inpatient setting can be particularly challenging for staff where a range of factors impact the decision-making process. Using an authentic, compassionate approach towards understanding risks with service users is important to support meaningful collaborative risk assessment, and involving carers wherever possible is recommended. Reflective peer review can be a helpful way to consider decision-making and enhance clinical skills, as well as providing valuable support to staff. Post-incident support can be equally important for staff and service users and the culture in which risk assessment is undertaken needs to be one of encouragement and positive learning across the team and the organization.