Primary Care Provider Education on Suicide Risk Assessment and Management

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing (DNP) project was to translate evidence into practice by assessing provider knowledge, motivation, and self-efficacy in managing suicidal patients after receiving education on the assessment and management of suicide risk. This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to determine how providers in primary care perceive their knowledge, motivation, and self-efficacy in treating suicidal patients after receiving education on suicide risk assessment and management. BACKGROUND: Suicide is one of the largest public health issues facing the United States (US) today. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death and transcends demographics and age. Multiple factors have put primary care providers (PCP) in a position to play an integral role in suicide prevention. Suicide prevention education for PCPs has been supported by multiple studies to potentially be an effective means of suicide prevention in primary care. METHODS: This DNP project utilizes a QI design. An anonymous survey was used to collect data on PCP knowledge, motivation, and self-efficacy after receiving the education. Education was provided a monthly provider meeting at United Community Health Center (UCHC). Categorical and ordinal data collected was analyzed using Microsoft Excel and the Social Science Statistics Calculator. Qualitative data was also reviewed to identify recurring themes. RESULTS: Results indicated participants were motivated, knowledgeable, and confident in assessing and managing a suicidal patient. Self-efficacy had the lowest mean scores, which in part may be a result of mental health resources not being readily available as indicted by qualitative data. CONCLUSIONS: Suicide is a significant public health concern and PCPs are in a prime position to intervene. The providers at UCHC were motivated to work with suicidal patients and have knowledge on key factors of suicide risk assessment and management. Additional as well as easier access to mental health resources may improve provider confidence when working with this patient population.