Evaluating Provider Documentation of Suicide Risk Factors Among Youth Screening Positive for Suicide Risk in a Pediatric Emergency Department.

OBJECTIVE

Screening for suicidal ideation in the pediatric emergency department (ED) enhances recognition of suicidality among patients presenting with a nonmental health complaint. Little is known about the assessment of suicide risk factors and disposition among these patients. This study aimed to evaluate pediatric ED providers' documentation of suicide risk factors in this population.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients screening at risk for suicide on the Ask Suicide-Screening Questions tool. Demographic variables and risk factors for youth suicide were extracted from the electronic health record for eligible patients each month from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019. We compared risk factors using χ2 or Fisher exact test.

RESULTS

In 2019, of the 7484 patients screened for suicide, 524 (7%) had a positive screen. Of 220 patient charts reviewed, no suicide risk factors were documented in 53.6% of encounters, and only 1 risk factor was documented in 18.2% of encounters. Substance use was the most frequently discussed risk factor, documented in 33.6% of encounters. History of nonsuicidal self-injury was documented in 11.8% of visits. Other risk factors were documented in fewer than 10% of at-risk patients.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric ED providers do not routinely document risk factors for suicide in medical patients screening at risk. Although the Ask Suicide-Screening Questions is an important initial screen, a standardized secondary risk factor assessment is necessary for a more complete risk stratification for patients with suicidal ideation.