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Top Ten Tips Palliative Care Clinicians Should Know About Addressing Suicidality
Ryanne Lehenaff1, Carina Oltmann2, Gregg A Robbins-Welty1,3,4,5
1Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Journal of Palliative Medicine
|June 26, 2026
Summary
Palliative care clinicians can help patients with serious illness experiencing suicidal ideation (SI). This guidance offers practical tips for addressing complex conversations and reducing suffering.
Area of Science:
- Palliative Care
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Chaplaincy
Background:
- Suicidal ideation (SI) is common in patients with serious illness.
- Palliative care (PC) clinicians are well-positioned to address SI in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide evidence-informed guidance for PC clinicians caring for patients with SI.
- To offer practical tips for managing complex clinical encounters related to suicidality.
Main Methods:
- An interdisciplinary group of PC, psychiatry, psychology, social work, and chaplaincy clinicians contributed.
- The article synthesizes expert experience into actionable advice.
Main Results:
- Ten practical tips are shared for clinicians.
- Guidance addresses distinguishing passive death wishes from active suicidal intent.
- Strategies for addressing suffering and supporting patients/families are included.
Conclusions:
- Clinicians can approach patients with SI with greater clarity and confidence.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration enhances care for patients with serious illness and SI.
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