Managing the Suicidal Patient in a Split-treatment Relationship

Conclusion The elements for increased liability risk are present in split treatment relationships, but each individual situation must be evaluated to understand its particular risk profile. The risk analysis must include the risks inherent in the treatment of the particular patient (What are this patient’s clinical needs?), coupled with an evaluation of the risks presented by the shared relationship (How does the split treatment complicate/increase problems in meeting the standard of care for this patient? Are there ways to manage those risks so that you are satisfied that patient care needs are being met?). Risk management seeks to improve the quality of care provided to patients and to reduce legal liability. The most effective risk management strategy is to pursue a course of treatment that best meets the clinical needs of your patients. When split-treatment is a part of this, coordination and communication among clinicians is essential. References 1. Ellison JM. Teaching collaboration between pharmacotherapist and psychotherapist. Academic Psychiatry. 2005;29:2. 2. Simon IS, Hales RE. Textbook of Suicide Assessment and Management. American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc.; 2006. 3. Mossman D, Weston CG. Splitting treatment: how to limit liability risk when you share a patient’s care. Current Psychiatry. 9(3). 4. Riba MB. Can a split-treatment model work? Psychiatric Times. 19(7). 5. Gutheil TG. Risk management at the margins: Less=familiar topics in psychiatric malpractic...
Source: Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience - Category: Neuroscience Authors: Tags: Current Issue Practice Management Risk Management Suicidality risk managmenet split treatment suicide Source Type: research