Citation

Junker G, Beeler A, Bates J. Psychol. Serv. 2005; 2(1): 20-27.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Educational Publishing Foundation)

DOI

10.1037/1541-1559.2.1.20

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study examined the impact of using inmate observers for suicide watch within a federal correctional-mental health setting.

RESULTS indicate a significant decrease in the mean number of hours inmates remained on suicide watch (p =.036) following the implementation of the Inmate Observer Program (IOP). Overall, suicidal inmates with a diagnosis of psychotic disorder remained on suicide watch significantly longer (p =.004) than did inmates in other diagnostic groups. The psychotic group, however, had a significant decrease in mean hours on suicide watch (p =.001) following the implementation of the IOP. Also, individuals with personality disorders had significantly fewer watches (p =.033) when inmate observers were used. Initial findings suggest that the use of inmate observers reduces the length of time that suicidal peers remain on watch without compromising standard of care. © 2005 Educational Publishing Foundation.

Language: en

Keywords

suicide; prison; inmate observer; suicide watch