Joint Commission highlights suicide risk reduction tools

Abstract

The Joint Commission is spotlighting a range of resources designed to help health care and behavioral health organizations strengthen suicide prevention efforts and comply with its National Patient Safety Goal on reducing suicide risk. The organization's Suicide Risk Reduction Resource Center offers curated tools, educational materials and actionable strategies to support identification, assessment and care of individuals at risk for suicide. It also provides program‐specific guidance for hospitals, critical access hospitals, and behavioral health care and human services organizations. Among the featured resources is the Patient Safety Screener (PSS‐3), a validated tool used in acute care settings to identify patients who may be at risk for suicide. A seven‐minute training video, printable screening tool, tip sheet and pocket card are available to support implementation. The screener can be administered during triage or nursing assessment and is intended for use with patients ages 12 and older. For more information, visit Resources for Suicide Risk Reduction | Joint Commission.