ABSTRACT
Objective
This study examined differences by age in suicide risk screening and clinical actions
to reduce suicide risk among patients with visits to Veterans Health Administration
(VHA) medical facilities in the year prior to an attempt.
Methods
Ninety-three VHA patient records were reviewed specific to the last visit before an
attempt. Information was extracted regarding documentation of individual suicide risk
factors and provider actions to reduce risk.
Results
The authors examined differences by patient age (≥50 versus 18–49). Older patients’
medical records were less likely to have evidence of 1) screening for impulsivity
and firearms access and 2) engagement in safety planning, referrals for mental health
services, and consideration of psychiatric hospitalization. General medical providers
were less likely to document these risk factors and action steps in comparison with
mental health clinicians.
Conclusion
Lethal means education and collaborative care are universal strategies that may improve
identification of and lower suicide risk in older veterans.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: January 22, 2019
Accepted:
January 19,
2019
Received in revised form:
January 17,
2019
Received:
December 11,
2018
Identification
Copyright
Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry.
