Implementing Suicide Risk Screening in a Pediatric Primary Care Setting: From Research to Practice

Integrating insights from implementation science and behavioral economics to strengthen suicide screening strategies for pediatric populations

Suicide is a leading cause of death for young people globally. Professional organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend suicide screening for every young person at every healthcare contact and these guidelines are now being implemented across the US. To optimize deployment of these guidelines, we draw on insights from two parallel fields, implementation science - or the study of how to support clinicians in providing evidence-based care within organizational constraints - and behavioral economics, which centers human decision-making. In this brief review, we offer potential barriers to suicide screening and strategies to address barriers drawing on these two literatures, illustrating how best to integrate insights from these fields for maximal impact.

Geographic patterns of youth suicide in San Diego County

OBJECTIVE

Our objectives were to evaluate for any cluster patterns of youth suicide deaths and characterize the level of child opportunity in the communities where suicide deaths occurred.

METHODS

Decedents <18 years were identified from San Diego County Medical Examiner death reports from 2000-2020. We mapped decedents' residential ZIP codes and calculated suicide rates per 10,000 youths. ZIP codes identified in overlapping spatial statistical approaches - the spatial scan statistic and Local Moran with EB rates - were considered a cluster for the final analysis. We obtained Child Opportunity Index (COI) scores for each ZIP code to determine if there were differences in: 1) ZIP codes with suicide deaths compared to ZIPs with no deaths 2) differences in distribution of suicide death rates across quintiles of COI.

RESULTS

Scan statistic identified 25 ZIP codes within a cluster (RR 2.6, p = 0.00066). Local Moran with EB rates identified two ZIP codes as a high-high cluster (p < 0.05). The location identified as a cluster in both approaches was in Alpine. The median COI for ZIP codes with suicide deaths was higher at 63.5 (IQR 38-83) compared to 47 (IQR 22.5-75.5) for ZIP codes without suicide deaths. There was a significant difference in suicide rates between Very Low and Moderate levels of Overall opportunity (p =.013).

CONCLUSION

We identified a cluster of youth suicides in one of the most populous counties in the country. These findings serve to inform policies and prevention programs that aim to mitigate youth suicide mortality.

Suicide Risk Identified among Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth in the Emergency Department (2019-2022)

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Suicide risk identified via universal screening in healthcare settings is associated with subsequent suicidal behavior and is an important prevention strategy. The prevalence of positive suicide risk screening among transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth in the emergency department (ED) has not been described. The current study examined the association between gender identity and suicide risk screening results, adjusted for other demographic and clinical characteristics.

METHODS

Retrospective cross-sectional study of electronic medical record data from ED visits November 2019-August 2022 in an urban academic children's hospital. Participants were youth ages 8-25 who received the Ask Suicide-Screening Questions suicide risk screening tool.

RESULTS

Of 12,112 ED visits with suicide risk screening performed (42% male, median age 14 [12, 16]), 24% had positive screens. Of 565 visits by TGD youth, 78.1% had positive screens and 9.5% had active suicidal ideation. Compared to visits by cisgender females, the adjusted odds of positive screens was 5.35 times higher (95% CI 3.99, 7.18) among visits by TGD youth and 0.45 times lower (95% CI 0.40, 0.52) among visits by cisgender males. Compared to visits by cisgender females, the adjusted odds of active suicidal ideation was higher for cisgender males (aOR 1.34, 95% CI 1.07, 1.68) but did not significantly differ for TGD youth.

CONCLUSIONS

TGD youth have high rates of positive suicide risk screening in the ED, demonstrating substantial mental health needs. Opportunities may be available to improve detection, evidence-based brief interventions, and linkage to mental health services for this population.

Mental Health Crisis Responses and (In)Justice: Intrasystem and Intersystem Implications

Mental health crises among people who are marginalized merit special consideration. These groups are both overserved and underserved by mental health crisis systems: over-represented in acute treatment settings by number while facing inequities in outcomes. The predisposing, precipitating, and perpetuating factors that contribute to crises, however, neither begin nor end with the mental health system. Rather, these factors are multisystemic. As an illustration of this concept, this article highlights select marginalized groups, those that have faced inequities in mental health diagnosis and treatment due to race, medical complexity, age, and criminal justice system involvement.

Characteristics Associated With Mental Health Treatment Prior to Suicide Among Youth in the United States

OBJECTIVE

To examine individual and contextual characteristics associated with receipt of mental health treatment prior to youth suicide.

METHOD

Data from the US National Violent Death Reporting System, Area Health Resource File, and Social Vulnerability Index were used to examine characteristics associated with receipt of mental health treatment within 2 months before death among youth suicide decedents aged 5 to 17 years from 2013 to 2020 (N = 6,229). The association between individual (demographic, precipitating circumstances, and clinical characteristics) and contextual-level variables (county health resources, Social Vulnerability Index) and mental health service use was modeled using logistic regression.

RESULTS

Mental health treatment was received by 31.6% of youth suicide decedents (n = 1,967) in the 2 months before suicide. Male individuals and youth from all racial and ethnic minority groups were less likely to receive mental health treatment in the 2 months prior to suicide, as were youth residing in non-metropolitan counties and living in counties characterized by high compared to low levels of social vulnerability. A history of family problems, a recent crisis, criminal/legal problems, and suicidal thoughts and attempts were associated with increased odds of receiving mental health services.

CONCLUSION

Youth suicide decedents who were male, members of a racial or ethnic minority group, and residing in counties that are non-metropolitan and/or socially disadvantaged were less likely to have received mental health services in the months prior to death. Suicide prevention efforts that focus on improving access to care are essential for these vulnerable populations at risk for suicide.

Urdu-Language Translation and Validation of the Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ) Tool: A Focus on Connotation and Context

Background Suicide is a significant cause of death in the world, and Pakistan, a low- and middle-income country, is no exception. Despite the increasing number of suicides, Pakistan does not have a validated suicide risk screening tool to identify suicide risk in the national language, Urdu, accurately. This study aims to translate and validate the Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ) tool into Urdu for suicide risk screening in Pakistan. Methodology We conducted this study at the Services Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS), a large teaching hospital in Lahore, Pakistan, after receiving the approval of the SIMS Institutional Review Board. The study used a cross-sectional instrument validation study design. The inclusion criteria were youth and adults of both sexes aged 15-45 years, with an ability to understand, speak, read, and write in the Urdu language, who had no cognitive or intellectual limitation to consenting, and who were medically stable to participate. Exclusion criteria included any medical, physical, or cognitive unstable condition to consent or participate. We enrolled 300 participants in our convenience sample from the emergency department (ED), inpatient, and outpatient settings. The ASQ and the ASQ Brief Suicide Safety Assessment (BSSA) were translated and back-translated by Urdu language experts and modified to accommodate cultural and linguistic nuances. The clinician-administered BSSA Urdu version was used as a standard criterion to validate the ASQ by comparing the ASQ-Urdu responses vs. BSSA-Urdu responses. RStudio (version 2023.09.1+494) was used for statistical analyses Results The sample had an enrollment rate of 99.7% (300/301). The sample was 52% female (158/300); the mean age was 27.1 years (SD = 9.4), the overall screen-positive rate was 41.7% (125/300), and 9.3% (28/300) of the participants endorsed a past suicide attempt. In our sample, 35.9% (33/92) of outpatients, 32.2% (19/59) of inpatients, and 49.0% (73/149) of ED patients screened positive on the Urdu ASQ. The screen-positive rate was 16.9% (10/59) for participants aged 17 years and younger, 40.7% (35/86) for participants aged 18 to 25 years, and 51.6% (80/155) for participants aged 26 years and older. Compared to the criterion standard clinician-administered assessment, the Urdu ASQ had a sensitivity of 94.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 85.8%-98.4%), a specificity of 73.9% (95% CI = 67.7%-79.5%), a negative predictive value of 97.7% (95% CI = 94.2%-99.1%), and a positive predictive value of 52.0% (95% CI = 46.4%-57.6%). Conclusions The Urdu ASQ has strong psychometric properties, allowing healthcare professionals in Pakistan and worldwide with Urdu-speaking diaspora to identify individuals at risk for suicide efficiently. Utilizing cultural contexts in adapted screening tools improves the accuracy of suicide detection by ensuring that the tools are relevant, sensitive, and respectful to the cultural context of the individuals being assessed. High screen-positive rates in our pilot study underscore the need for early detection and intervention of suicide as a major global public health problem.

Assessment of Suicide Risk and Cultural Considerations in Forcibly Displaced Migrant Youth

Migrant youth who face forced displacement from their home countries have an emergent mental health burden, placing them at increased suicide risk. As such, it is crucial for pediatric providers to include suicide screening and assessment in their care for this population. Migrant families seek safety but, in many cases, encounter adverse events and psychosocial inequities in the migration journey and in the host community. Factors such as trauma, acculturative stress, and intersectionality influence suicide risk in migrants. Summative traumatic events contribute to the mental health load and worsen suicidal outcomes in migrant youth. Acculturative stress can lead to social marginalization in the host country, further adding to the existing mental health burden. Finally, intersectionality encompasses complex sociocultural influences, which shape the development of cultural identity in migrant youth and influence suicide risk. By examining these factors, the author advances cultural considerations in screening and assessment for suicide risk in migrant youth through evidence-based tools in pediatric clinical practice. Barriers to access to mental health services, stigma, and distrust of the health care system within the host community are also addressed. The author establishes recommendations for early suicide screening and prevention within this population through trauma-informed care, active advocacy, and cultural sensitivity.

Preteen Suicide Risk Screening in the Pediatric Outpatient Setting: A Clinical Pathway

We are in a youth mental health crisis with unprecedented and staggeringly high rates of suicidal ideations and suicide behaviors in preteens. In the United States, 14.5% of children aged 9-10 have experienced suicidal thoughts and behaviors, including 1.3% with a suicide attempt. American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines call for universal suicide risk screening of youth aged 12 years and older during preventative health care visits and screening in preteens aged 8-11 years when clinically indicated. However, what constitutes a clinical indication at 8-11 years can be difficult to systematically detect, and pediatric practitioners may not be equipped with necessary age-specific assessment tools. This is compounded by the lack of emphasis on preteen suicide risk screening (and focus on adolescents), which leaves practitioners without age-appropriate resources to make clinical determinations for at-risk preteens. The objective of this project was to develop an evidence-informed suicide risk screening pathway for pediatric practitioners to implement with preteen patients in outpatient settings. Suicide risk assessment in younger children (<8 years) is also briefly addressed. We convened a group of researchers and practitioners with expertise in preadolescent suicide, pediatric medicine, behavioral health screening integration with primary care, and child development. They reviewed the empirical literature and existing practice guidelines to iterate on a multi-informant clinical suicide risk screening pathway for preteens that includes both caregivers and preteens in the screening process. We also developed tools and accompanying guidelines for a preteen suicide risk screening workflow and risk determination to aid practitioners in deciding who, when, and how to screen. Finally, we provide scripts for introducing suicide risk screening to caregivers and preteens and to discuss screening findings.

Anxiety and depression symptoms in adolescents and young adults with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: results of an outpatient screening

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown that growing up with rheumatic conditions can fuel dissatisfaction and psychological distress, which in turn affects disease self-management and treatment adherence. Primary objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms in adolescents and young adults (AYA) with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and to identify correlates of conspicuous screening results.

METHODS

Initiated as part of the COACH multicenter observational study, outpatients aged 12 to 21 years participating in the National Pediatric Rheumatological Database (NPRD) were prospectively screened for mental health using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 (GAD-7).

RESULTS

Data from 1,150 adolescents with JIA (mean age 15.6 ± 2.2 years; mean disease duration 7.2 ± 4.9 years, 69% female, 43% oligoarthritis, 26% polyarthritis) were analysed. Overall, 32.7% (n = 316) of AYA showed conspicuous screening results, of whom 30.4% reported clinically relevant suicidal or self-harm thoughts. About 19% of screened patients showed moderate to severe depressive or anxious symptoms. AYA with conspicuous screening results were older (15.8 vs. 15.2 years; p < 0.0001), more often female (81% vs. 64%; p < 0.0001) and more often overweight (25% vs. 17%; p = 0.006). They had higher disease activity (physician global assessment on NRS 0-10; 1.7 vs. 1.2; p < 0.0001), more functional limitations (CHAQ; 0.44 vs. 0.14; <0.0001) and rated their health status worse (NRS 0-10; 3.5 vs. 1.8; p < 0.0001) than AYA with inconspicuous screening results. Females (OR 2.33 [CI 1.53-3.56]; p < 0.0001), older age (OR 1.09 [CI 1.01-1.18]; p = 0.026), patients with more functional limitations (OR 3.36 [CI 1.98-5.72]; p < 0.0001), and patients with worse subjective health status (OR 1.17 [CI 1.07-1.27]; p < 0.0001) were more likely to have a conspicuous screening result. Regular sports participation was associated with a lower likelihood of conspicuous screening result (OR 0.69 [CI 0.49-0.98]; p = 0.039).

CONCLUSIONS

A large-scale outpatient screening of AYA with JIA in Germany shows a high prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms. The need for routine screening for early detection of mental health problems became apparent.

Suicide Risk Screening Tools for Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review of Test Accuracy

CONTEXT

Health care settings have increasingly adopted universal suicide risk screening tools into nonpsychiatric pediatric care; however, a systematic review examining the accuracy of these tools does not yet exist.

OBJECTIVE

Identify and review research on the test accuracy of suicide risk screening tools for pediatric patients in nonpsychiatric medical settings.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed and PsycINFO were searched to identify peer-reviewed articles published before March 23, 2023.

STUDY SELECTION

Articles that quantified the accuracy of a suicide risk screening tool (eg, sensitivity, specificity) in a nonpsychiatric medical setting (eg, primary care, specialty care, inpatient or surgical units, or the emergency department) were included.

DATA EXTRACTION

A total of 13 studies were included in this review. Screening tool psychometric properties and study risk of bias were evaluated.

RESULTS

Sensitivity among individual studies ranged from 50% to 100%, and specificity ranged from 58.8% to 96%. Methodological quality was relatively varied, and applicability concerns were low. When stratifying results by screening tool, the Ask Suicide-Screening Questions and Computerized Adaptive Screen for Suicidal Youth had the most robust evidence base.

LIMITATIONS

Because of considerable study heterogeneity, a meta-analytic approach was deemed inappropriate. This prevented us from statistically testing for differences between identified screening tools.

CONCLUSIONS

The Ask Suicide-Screening Questions and Computerized Adaptive Screen for Suicidal Youth exhibit satisfactory test accuracy and appear promising for integration into clinical practice. Although initial findings are promising, additional research targeted at examining the accuracy of screening tools among diverse populations is needed to ensure the equity of screening efforts.

Brief Interventions for Suicidal Youths in Medical Settings: A Meta-Analysis

CONTEXT

Most youths who die by suicide have interfaced with a medical system in the year preceding their death, placing outpatient medical settings on the front lines for identification, assessment, and intervention.

OBJECTIVE

Review and consolidate the available literature on suicide risk screening and brief intervention with youths in outpatient medical settings and examine common outcomes.

DATA SOURCES

The literature search looked at PubMed, OVID, CINAHL, ERIC, and PsychInfo databases.

STUDY SELECTION

Interventions delivered in outpatient medical settings assessing and mitigating suicide risk for youths (ages 10-24). Designs included randomized controlled trials, prospective and retrospective cohort studies, and case studies.

DATA EXTRACTION

Authors extracted data on rates of referral to behavioral health services, initiation/adjustment of medication, follow-up in setting of assessment, suicidal ideation at follow-up, and suicide attempts and/or crisis services visited within 1 year of initial assessment.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in subsequent suicide attempts between intervention and control groups. Analysis on subsequent crisis service could not be performed due to lack of qualifying data. Key secondary findings were decreased immediate psychiatric hospitalizations and increased mental health service use, along with mild improvement in subsequent depressive symptoms.

LIMITATIONS

The review was limited by the small number of studies meeting inclusion criteria, as well as a heterogeneity of study designs and risk of bias across studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Brief suicide interventions for youth in outpatient medical settings can increase identification of risk, increase access to behavioral health services, and for crisis interventions, can limit psychiatric hospitalizations.

Implementation strategies in suicide prevention: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Implementation strategies can be a vital leveraging point for enhancing the implementation and dissemination of evidence-based suicide prevention interventions and programming. However, much remains unknown about which implementation strategies are commonly used and effective for supporting suicide prevention efforts.

METHODS

In light of the limited available literature, a scoping review was conducted to evaluate implementation strategies present in current suicide prevention studies. We identified studies that were published between 2013 and 2022 that focused on suicide prevention and incorporated at least one implementation strategy. Studies were coded by two independent coders who showed strong inter-rater reliability. Data were synthesized using descriptive statistics and a narrative synthesis of findings.

RESULTS

Overall, we found that studies most commonly utilized strategies related to iterative evaluation, training, and education. The majority of studies did not include direct measurement of suicide behavior outcomes, and there were few studies that directly tested implementation strategy effectiveness.

CONCLUSION

Implementation science strategies remain an important component for improving suicide prevention and intervention implementation. Future research should consider the incorporation of more type 3 hybrid designs as well as increased systematic documentation of implementation strategies.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

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Pediatric Primary Care Provider Perspectives on Universal Suicide Screening

INTRODUCTION

Given the increase in youth mental health concerns, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends universal suicide screening for ages 12 and older, with positive screens followed by a brief suicide risk assessment. However, it is unclear how pediatric clinicians incorporate this recommendation into practice. Therefore, the objective of this qualitative study was to identify pediatric clinicians' current practice, attitudes, and barriers to implement the updated universal suicide screening recommendation in primary care.

METHODS

Community-based pediatric primary care providers (PCPs) in the St. Louis Metropolitan area who by self-report provide mental health care for patients participated. Participants completed a 30-minute semi-structured interview with invitations extended through an electronic listserv in a local Pediatric PCP Learning Collaborative. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using consensual deductive and inductive approaches until data saturation.

RESULTS

Eighteen PCPs participated in the interviews. Interviews described themes related to acceptability of the recommendations, PCPs' current screening practices, and perceived barriers for implementing the recommendations. Overall, PCPs agreed with, but expressed hesitancy about, the recommendation. Frequently mentioned barriers to suicide screening included time, training, and inadequate access to resources for follow-up care for at-risk patients. Yet, PCPs were optimistic they could learn with support and were interested in working in this subject area through quality improvement interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

PCPs agree with the AAP recommendation about suicide screening but need support to implement into practice. Specifically, PCPs need time sensitive strategies, resources, training, and practice change support to assist these efforts.

Implementing Suicide Risk Screening in a Virtual Addiction Clinic

The purpose of this study was to describe the feasibility of implementing suicide risk screening in a virtual addiction clinic. Suicide risk screening was implemented in a virtual addiction clinic serving individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) using a quality improvement framework. One-hundred percent (252/252) of eligible patients enrolled in the clinic were screened for suicide risk (44% female; M[SD] age = 45.0[11.0] years, range = 21-68 years). Nineteen patients (8%) screened positive for suicide risk. After screening, no patients required emergency suicide interventions (100% non-acute positive). Notably, 74% (14/19) of those who screened positive did so by endorsing at least one past suicide attempt with no recent ideation. Suicide risk screening in virtual addiction clinics yields important clinical information for high-risk SUD populations without overburdening workflow with emergency services. Given the high proportion of non-acute positive screens based on suicide attempt histories with no recent ideation, clinicians may utilize information on suicide attempt history to facilitate further mental healthcare.

Suicide Risk Assessment and Safety Planning in Pediatric Primary Care

Suicidal thoughts and behavior are an increasing concern for youth. Pediatricians can prevent youth suicide through a stepwise process of screening, risk assessment, and safety planning incorporated into their practice. This article describes practical steps for pediatric clinicians to effectively detect and assess risks associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviors in youth while concurrently providing effective intervention. [Pediatr Ann. 2023;52(11):e422-e425.].

A National Survey of Pediatricians' Experiences and Practices With Suicide Prevention

OBJECTIVE

Describe pediatricians' experiences, attitudes, and practices around suicide prevention within primary care, and examine associations between pediatricians' experiences and practices.

METHODS

The nationally representative Periodic Survey of American Academy of Pediatrics members provided data on pediatricians' patient experience with suicide risk, perceived barriers to screening for suicidal ideation (SI), preparedness to counsel about suicide prevention, interest in learning more about suicide prevention strategies, and frequency of screening for and managing suicidal ideation. Multivariable analyses examined the effect of having a patient die by or attempt suicide on screening practices.

RESULTS

A total of 41% responded to the survey with 377 respondents in the analytic sample. A total of 93% of pediatricians had a patient screen positive for SI and 81% had a patient attempt or die by suicide. A total of 61% always screened for SI and 63% reported using a standardized depression screening tool and 9% a suicide-specific tool. Respondents who had a patient attempt or die by suicide were more likely to screen for SI (OR, 2.05, 95% CI, 1.16-3.63) and use a standardized depression screening instrument (OR, 2.34, 95% CI, 1.29-4.24). Patient reluctance to discuss mental health was the most frequently cited barrier (51%) followed by lack of time (49%) and lack of treatment options (43%). Over 90% of respondents assessed for a plan and referred to mental health services when suicidal ideation was identified.

CONCLUSION

Although pediatricians frequently see patients with suicide risk, 39% do not always screen for SI. Educational efforts are needed to improve pediatricians' assessment and management of suicide risk given new guidelines.

Feasibility of a universal suicidality tool for adolescents

BACKGROUND

The suicide rate among adolescents has been increasing rapidly over the past several years.

LOCAL PROBLEM

Adequate screening for suicide risk in this population, particularly youth of color, is lacking.

METHODS

The Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ) tool was implemented at two adolescent-focused health clinics in a large U.S. city.

INTERVENTIONS

This project followed the Ottawa Model of Research Use. Participating clinicians were surveyed before and after receiving an educational module on suicide risk screening, the ASQ tool, and clinical pathways. Clinicians were also asked about the feasibility and acceptability of the ASQ tool in their practice. An electronic medical records software was used to gather data on patients newly screened for suicide risk using the ASQ tool.

RESULTS

Among eligible patients, 40.2% were screened using the ASQ tool during the 4-month duration of the project. Most clinicians reported that using the tool was feasible within their practice (66%) and 100% endorsed its acceptability (i.e., reporting that they were comfortable screening for suicide and that the ASQ was easy to use).

CONCLUSIONS

The ASQ may be a promising screening tool for clinicians to use to address the mental health needs of at-risk youth. This project supports the universal acceptability and feasibility of its use in inner-city primary care clinics.

Suicide in young people: screening, risk assessment, and intervention

Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among young people worldwide and the third leading cause of death among those in the US. This review outlines the epidemiology of suicide and suicidal behavior in young people. It discusses intersectionality as an emerging framework to guide research on prevention of suicide in young people and highlights several clinical and community settings that are prime targets for implementation of effective treatment programs and interventions aimed at rapidly reducing the suicide rate in young people. It provides an overview of current approaches to screening and assessment of suicide risk in young people and the commonly used screening tools and assessment measures. It discusses universal, selective, and indicated evidence based suicide focused interventions and highlights components of psychosocial interventions with the strongest evidence for reducing risk. Finally, the review discusses suicide prevention strategies in community settings and considers future research directions and questions challenging the field.

Screening and Assessing Suicide Risk in Medical Settings: Feasible Strategies for Early Detection

Early detection of risk is a key suicide prevention strategy. Given that most individuals who die by suicide visit a health care provider in the year leading up to their death, medical settings are ideal venues for identifying those at elevated risk and bridging them to life-saving care. Clinicians are presented with an opportunity to engage in proactive suicide prevention efforts through practical and adaptable suicide risk screening, assessment, and management processes. Psychiatrists and mental health clinicians are well positioned to assist nonpsychiatric clinicians on the frontlines of this public health problem. This article discusses the importance of identifying people at elevated suicide risk through screening, differentiates screening from assessment procedures, and presents practical strategies for implementing evidence-based screening and assessment tools into practice as part of a three-tiered clinical pathway. Specifically, this article discusses key components that guide embedding suicide prevention strategies into the workflows of busy medical settings.

Prediction of Suicide Attempts and Suicide-Related Events Among Adolescents Seen in Emergency Departments

IMPORTANCE

Screening adolescents in emergency departments (EDs) for suicidal risk is a recommended strategy for suicide prevention. Comparing screening measures on predictive validity could guide ED clinicians in choosing a screening tool.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ) instrument with the Computerized Adaptive Screen for Suicidal Youth (CASSY) instrument for the prediction of suicidal behavior among adolescents seen in EDs, across demographic and clinical strata.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

The Emergency Department Study for Teens at Risk for Suicide is a prospective, random-series, multicenter cohort study that recruited adolescents, oversampled for those with psychiatric symptoms, who presented to the ED from July 24, 2017, through October 29, 2018, with a 3-month follow-up to assess the occurrence of suicidal behavior. The study included 14 pediatric ED members of the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network and 1 Indian Health Service ED. Statistical analysis was performed from May 2021 through January 2023.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

This study used a prediction model to assess outcomes. The primary outcome was suicide attempt (SA), and the secondary outcome was suicide-related visits to the ED or hospital within 3 months of baseline; both were assessed by an interviewer blinded to baseline information. The ASQ is a 4-item questionnaire that surveys suicidal ideation and lifetime SAs. A positive response or nonresponse on any item indicates suicidal risk. The CASSY is a computerized adaptive screening tool that always includes 3 ASQ items and a mean of 8 additional items. The CASSY's continuous outcome is the predicted probability of an SA.

RESULTS

Of 6513 adolescents available, 4050 were enrolled, 3965 completed baseline assessments, and 2740 (1705 girls [62.2%]; mean [SD] age at enrollment, 15.0 [1.7] years; 469 Black participants [17.1%], 678 Hispanic participants [24.7%], and 1618 White participants [59.1%]) completed both screenings and follow-ups. The ASQ and the CASSY showed a similar sensitivity (0.951 [95% CI, 0.918-0.984] vs 0.945 [95% CI, 0.910-0.980]), specificity (0.588 [95% CI, 0.569-0.607] vs 0.643 [95% CI, 0.625-0.662]), positive predictive value (0.127 [95% CI, 0.109-0.146] vs 0.144 [95% CI, 0.123-0.165]), and negative predictive value (both 0.995 [95% CI, 0.991-0.998], respectively). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve findings were similar among patients with physical symptoms (ASQ, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.81-0.95] vs CASSY, 0.94 [95% CI, 0.91-0.96]). Among patients with psychiatric symptoms, the CASSY performed better than the ASQ (0.72 [95% CI, 0.68-0.77] vs 0.57 [95% CI, 0.55-0.59], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This study suggests that both the ASQ and the CASSY are appropriate for universal screening of patients in pediatric EDs. For the small subset of patients with psychiatric symptoms, the CASSY shows greater predictive validity.

Raising Suicide in Medical Appointments-Barriers and Facilitators Experienced by Young Adults and GPs: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review

The aim of this review was to understand the barriers and facilitators facing GPs and young adults in raising and addressing suicide in medical appointments. A mixed-methods systematic review was conducted of qualitative and quantitative studies. The focus was papers that explored barriers and facilitators experienced by young adults aged 18 to 26, and GPs working in primary care environments. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Four studies provided information on young adults' views, four on GPs, and one considered both GP and young adults' viewpoints. Nine barrier and seven facilitator themes were identified. Unique to this review was the recognition that young adults want GPs to initiate the conversation about suicide. They see this as a GP's responsibility. This review further confirmed that GPs lack the confidence and skills to assess suicide risk in young adults. Both findings combined could explain previous results for reduced identification of suicide risk in this cohort. GP training needs considerable focus on addressing skill deficiencies and improving GP confidence to assess suicide risk. However, introducing suicide risk screening in primary care for young adults should be a priority as this will overcome the need for young adults to voluntarily disclose thoughts of suicide.

Clinical Pathway for Suicide Risk Screening in Adult Primary Care Settings: Special Recommendations

Suicide is a serious public health concern. On average, 80% of suicide decedents had contact with primary care within 1 year of their suicide. This and other research underscore the importance of screening for suicide risk within primary care settings, and implementation of suicide risk screening is already underway in many practices. However, while primary care practices may be familiar with screening for other mental health concerns (e.g., depression), many feel uncomfortable or unprepared for suicide risk screening. To meet the increasing demand for evidence-based suicide-risk-screening guidance, we provide a clinical pathway for adult primary care practices (to include family medicine, internal medicine, women's health). The pathway was developed by experts with research, clinical expertise, and experience in suicide risk screening and primary care. We also provide detailed guidance to aid primary care practices in their decisions about how to implement the clinical pathway.