On The Wards: On The Pods Medical Podcast for Doctors Approach to a suicidal patient
6 snips
Feb 29, 2016 Joanne Ferguson, a specialist psychiatrist in addiction medicine at Croydon Community Health Centre, shares her expertise on assessing suicide risk. She emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space for dialogue with patients and discusses the intricacies of evaluating both protective and risk factors. Joanne highlights the role of intuitive insights alongside detailed history-taking. The conversation also addresses resources for junior doctors in crisis situations, promoting peer support and the importance of swift communication with psychiatric teams.
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Chapters
Transcript
Open Communication
- Don't hesitate to ask patients about suicidal thoughts.
- Start by asking if life has ever felt too hard to bear.
Initial Assessment
- Assess the patient's immediate risk level over the phone.
- Determine if an immediate visit is necessary or if it can wait.
Creating a Safe Environment
- Find a quiet and private space to talk with the patient.
- Ensure your own safety, especially if the patient seems hostile.