Physicians are less likely to assess and manage suicide risk among older adults: broader implications for suicide prevention within primary care

The study by Simons et al1 in this issue conducted retrospective EHR reviews of 93 veterans from three hospitals to identify age differences in suicide risk screening and management in their last medical visit before making a suicide attempt. We know from prior studies that of those dying by suicide, up to 45% will have visited their primary care provider within a month before their death, while only 20% will have seen a mental health professional2. The current study adds to this literature by examining age group differences in clinicians ’ assessment of specific risk factors and their provision of crisis interventions.

Source: The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry - February 4, 2019 Category: Geriatrics Authors: Patrick J. Raue Source Type: research