Suicide Safer Care-Presentation and q&a

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In this video, Verna discusses suicide safer care and suicide prevention in primary care settings. She introduces the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC), which is a federally funded agency focused on implementing the National Strategy for Suicide Prevention. Verna emphasizes the importance of language in discussing suicide and encourages the use of phrases like "died by suicide" instead of "committed suicide" to reduce stigma and convey empathy. She also addresses the significance of identifying patients at risk for suicide during primary care visits and the role of primary care providers in suicide prevention.<br /><br />Verna discusses the role of primary care providers in suicide-safe care, including the screening of patients for depression and suicide risk using tools like the PHQ-2 and PHQ-9 questionnaires. She emphasizes the need to have a process and pathway in place to identify and care for at-risk individuals. Verna introduces the concept of safety planning, which involves creating an individualized plan to help at-risk individuals cope with feelings of distress and prevent self-harm. She recommends specific activities and resources that can be included in a safety plan, such as contact information for crisis hotlines and supportive individuals, as well as strategies for managing emotional distress.<br /><br />Verna also discusses the importance of constructing caring contacts, which involve sending follow-up messages to at-risk individuals to offer support and show care. She highlights the use of technology, such as smartphone apps and websites, as tools for providing ongoing support and resources for individuals at risk for suicide.<br /><br />Overall, Verna emphasizes the need for primary care providers to proactively address suicide risk, provide support, and implement evidence-based interventions to ensure the safety and well-being of at-risk patients.

Keywords

suicide prevention

primary care settings

reduce stigma

identify patients at risk

safety planning

coping with distress

supportive individuals

managing emotional distress

caring contacts

technology for suicide prevention