Med Center Health Safety Snapshot – July

Your Quick Look into Safety at Med Center Health

At Med Center Health, safety and high reliability are more than just goals. They are our promise to every person who comes through our doors. This Safety Snapshot highlights a Joint Commission National Performance Goal focused on suicide risk identification and reduction strategies.

Suicide Risk and Reduction Strategies

The Joint Commission emphasizes that organizations must identify individuals at risk for suicide, provide a safe environment, communicate concerns effectively, and implement strategies to reduce the risk of self-harm. Suicide prevention is a shared responsibility. Early recognition, timely intervention, and clear communication can save lives.

What This Means for Daily Practice

  • Recognize warning signs and risk factors
    • Be alert for statements, behaviors, or changes in condition that may indicate suicide risk, hopelessness, or self-harm concerns
    • Remember that patients admitted following an intentional overdose, suicide attempt, or intentional self-inflicted injury require immediate suicide precautions
  • Complete suicide risk screening as required
    • Complete suicide risk screening upon admission, regardless of the patient’s presenting complaint
    • Reassess suicide risk during each nursing shift assessment and whenever there is a change in behavior, mood, or mental status
  • Communicate and escalate concerns promptly
    • Notify the provider immediately when a patient screens positive or suicide risk is identified
    • Initiate suicide precautions without delay when indicated, even if a provider order is pending
  • Maintain a safe environment
    • Patients on suicide precautions require continuous one-to-one observation until discontinued by provider order. Remove or secure items that could be used for self-harm, including ligature risks, sharp objects, and other hazardous items
    • Ensure patient belongings are searched and secured according to policy
  • Use handoff communication consistently and document thoroughly
    • Ensure suicide risk and safety precautions are clearly communicated during transitions of care
    • Document suicide screening results, provider notification, ongoing reassessments, observation, and any interventions according to policy
  • Support patients with dignity and compassion
    • Use respectful, nonjudgmental communication and provide emotional support to patients and families

Why It Matters

Suicide prevention requires awareness, teamwork, and timely action. Consistent screening, communication, and environmental safety practices help reduce risk and support safer outcomes for vulnerable patients.

Together, through vigilance, compassion, and teamwork, we help create a safer environment for patients at risk and make safety a reality. Thank you for being an essential part of our culture of safety!

Reliably yours,

Denise Kaetzel, MHA, MSN, RN, CENP – Executive Director of Quality and Patient Experience

Kaitlin Banasiewicz, PhD, MSN, RN – Director of Patient Safety and Clinical Research

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