A recent study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine in February, brought forth further evidence which demonstrates that physicians often miss the warning signs of suicide. The study found that 83% of patients had visited a general practitioner or specialist within the year prior to killing themselves and 20% had actually seen a healthcare professional the week before they died, but yet less than half had been diagnosed with a mental health problem.
Once again this reiterates the vital importance of and need for all healthcare professionals, especially physicians working outside the field of psychiatry, to receive additional training in mental health and become familiar with the warning signs of suicide and the psychiatric disorders which increase the risk of self harm and suicide.
You can find out more about the research here: "Preventing suicide should start in a general medical setting".
As well, here is a link to a resource for healthcare professionals on suicide and suicide risk assessment from the Ontario Hospital Association: "Suicide Risk Assessment Guide".
Once again this reiterates the vital importance of and need for all healthcare professionals, especially physicians working outside the field of psychiatry, to receive additional training in mental health and become familiar with the warning signs of suicide and the psychiatric disorders which increase the risk of self harm and suicide.
You can find out more about the research here: "Preventing suicide should start in a general medical setting".
As well, here is a link to a resource for healthcare professionals on suicide and suicide risk assessment from the Ontario Hospital Association: "Suicide Risk Assessment Guide".
From the "Suicide Risk Assessment Guide" from the Ontario Hospital Association
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