Suicide prevention: are we doing enough?

Abstract

Healthcare professionals require an understanding of how the behaviour and characteristics of both patients and assessors can affect suicide risk identification and response. This article reviews the literature on how we currently assess suicide risk and considers the need for a paradigm shift in how healthcare professionals engage with and assess suicidal patients. It also reviews some of the evidence base for interventions to mitigate the risk of suicide and promotes pragmatic and compassionate interventions.