Suicide risk assessment: a review of procedures

Suicide risk assessment is an important part of the nurse's role. Suicide screening is an integral component of the assessment process. It should be systematic and follow a prescribed procedure: client self assessment, holistic assessment and diagnosis. The Gatehouse Assessment Centre in Warrington, UK, a predominantly nurse led centre, was opened in 1995, operates 365 days, 9 am till 9 pm, with open referral. The Centre offers psychiatric assessment, short-term treatments or referral on without hospital beds. In line with local and national policy, the Gatehouse team have introduced suicide rating scales as part of their risk screening process. However, the team have encountered problems using their designated scale, adapted from the Suicide Intent Scale, Pierce (1981). The major problem with the use of a rating scale was that, as a one off scoring system, it did not reflect the dynamic nature of suicidal behaviour. Furthermore, it is questionable whether a tool developed for research purposes would be used in the same way in practice. From a clinical perspective, the tool was capable of measurement only and failed to assist a dynamic holistic assessment required by practitioners. It was, therefore, necessary to review and evaluate the risk assessment procedure. In order to address these problems an assessment procedure which is more than a once only 'score' was piloted. The procedure incorporated risk screeners. Rather than rely on a value weighting system, or a positive or negative conclusion, it took account of the continuum of risk which is contingent on a broad range of factors. It took account of the accumulation of risk factors which may be increased or reduced in the light of unfolding events. Details of the new procedure, how it has been incorporated into the assessment process and subsequent management plan, and methodological considerations for further study are detailed.