TRENDING MEDICAL EDUCATION TOPIC: SUICIDE PREVENTION

Suicide is a significant public health problem and the 12th leading cause of death in the United States. Suicide rates have risen in nearly every state over the past two decades. On average, there are 130 suicides a day.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated risk factors for suicide, and isolation, loneliness and economic hardships have taken a long-term toll on mental health. Primary care providers have been identified as one of the vital potential gatekeepers in suicide prevention efforts and should be up to date on suicide risk and intervention.

Consider scheduling a Suicide Prevention CME lecture for your medical staff  that covers the following lecture objectives:

• Review current practice gaps in recognizing suicide in primary care settings
• Appreciate warning signs vs. risk factors for suicide. 
•  Identify areas where there is scope for intervention for known risk factors for suicide.
• Outline a stepwise approach, incorporating evidence-based recommendations, for evaluation of suicidal ideation, plan, means, and intent to assess suicide risk
• Consider how cultural aspects may affect prevalence, diagnosis, treatment plans, etc. and navigate these issues effectively.

CLICK HERE to download a PDF file featuring information gaps, potential needs, and references for this topic.

If your medical staff sees patients at risk for suicide, consider contacting our office to book a speaker at 877-505-4777 or info@speakersnetwork.com.

REFERENCES

https://afsp.org/suicide-statistics/

https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/2021-10/2020_NSDUH_Highlights.pdf

https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-022-04158-w

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/suicide.shtml