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. 2017 Oct;26(4):771-783.
doi: 10.1016/j.chc.2017.05.002.

The Emergency Department: Challenges and Opportunities for Suicide Prevention

Joan Rosenbaum Asarnow  1 , Kalina Babeva  2 , Elizabeth Horstmann  2
Affiliations

The Emergency Department: Challenges and Opportunities for Suicide Prevention

Joan Rosenbaum Asarnow et al. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2017 Oct.

Abstract

Emergency departments (EDs) can offer life-saving suicide prevention care. This article focuses on the ED and emergency services as service delivery sites for suicide prevention. Characteristics of EDs, models of emergency care, ED screening and brief intervention models, and practice guidelines and parameters are reviewed. A care process model for youths at risk for suicide and self-harm is presented, with guidance for clinicians based on the scientific evidence. Strengthening emergency infrastructure and integrating effective suicide prevention strategies derived from scientific research are critical for advancing suicide prevention objectives.

Keywords: Adolescent; Emergency; Guideline; Hospital; Integrated care; Pediatric; Self-harm; Suicide.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Care process model for youths presenting with suicide and self-harm risk. Courtesy of J. Asarnow, PhD, Los Angeles, CA.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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