Assessing for Suicide Risk in Pediatrics

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Authors
Maderia, Amanda
Issue Date
2023-04
Keywords
Research Subject Categories::INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH AREAS::Caring sciences::Nursing , COVID-19 , Suicide , Child , Adolescent , Pandemics
Description/Abstract
Background: Due to the increased risk of suicide related to the COVID-19 pandemic, suicide risk should be assessed routinely in the pediatric population using the Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ) toolkit in a primary care setting to assess suicide risk in children ages 11-18. Early identification and intervention for patients at increased risk of suicide is necessary to improve outcomes in the pediatric population. Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) project is to increase provider use of the ASQ toolkit to provide early identification and treatment of pediatric patients at risk for suicide. Methods: A quantitative analysis using a retrospective chart review evaluated provider’s use of the ASQ toolkit and provider knowledge and compliance in assessing suicide risk in the pediatric population. Results: The results of this QI project revealed a 100% increase in provider use of the ASQ toolkit. Appropriate interventions were documented for 100% of the ASQ questionnaires. A Fishers Exact Test was performed to analyze compliance with the ASQ algorithm. The Fishers Exact Test was significant with an alpha value <.05 and p <0.001, which suggests a relationship between two variables, and thus compliance with the ASQ algorithm. Recommendations and Conclusion: The implementation of the ASQ toolkit increased provider documentation of suicide risk in children ages 11-18. There was a 100% increase in provider use of the ASQ toolkit with proper identification and assessment of suicide risk followed by appropriate interventions provided.
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