Care of the Pediatric Patient with Suicidal Ideation Course Overview

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified suicide as the second leading cause of death for kids and young adults ages 10 to 24, second only to unintentional injuries. Suicidal ideation is defined as having thoughts of suicide that may range from a vague wish to die to a specific plan and intent. By being familiar with warning signs, risk factors, and screening tools, clinicians can help ensure children and families receive the interventions they need.

Upon course completion, learners should be able to assess pediatric patients for suicidal ideation and provide evidence-based care and interventions when suicidal ideation is present.

Objectives

• Recognize the warning signs, risk factors and protective factors when caring for a patient with suicidal ideation
• Apply standards of care and therapeutic communication techniques when caring for a patient with suicidal ideation
• Identify assessment parameters used to evaluate for medical stability in the patient with suicidal ideation
• Select trauma-informed care strategies and medications that may be used in the management of the patient with suicide ideation
• Determine patient disposition including acute care admission, psychiatric hospitalization, outpatient therapy and boarding of the suicidal patient, and subsequent discharge plans