Citation

Pullen J. Ann. Longterm Care 2016; 24(4): 23-30.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, HMP Communications)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Rates of suicide in long-term care (LTC) are high. To address this serious issue, a quality improvement project to improve suicide prevention in LTC was designed. The quality improvement project included two elements: an evidence-based suicide prevention gatekeeper training program for personnel, and a depression and suicide risk screening instrument for newly admitted residents. A pilot study to test the quality improvement strategy was done at one LTC facility in Montana, a state with a suicide rate that is among the highest in the United States. Nursing and allied health personnel (N = 43) completed the gatekeeper training program. Self-evaluative survey data suggested personnel benefited from the training. Of 89 newly admitted residents that completed the depression and suicide-risk screening assessment, 37 were identified as at risk for suicide and received follow-up services. Clinical leadership reported that the screening instrument was helpful for identifying residents who may be at higher risk of suicide and for initiating conversation with these residents. Lessons from the pilot project have implications for applying the quality improvement approach on a larger scale to reduce the high suicide rate among aging adults.

Language: en

Keywords

United States; adult; human; suicide; female; male; aged; pilot study; depression; nursing; education program; Suicide prevention; Gatekeeper training; follow up; long term care; leadership; screening test; paramedical personnel; Article; evidence based practice; total quality management; Evidence-based practice; Geriatric Depression Scale; nursing home patient; Quality improvement; behavior disorder assessment; Attitudes Toward Suicide Prevention Scale