Course Summary

The assessment of organizational needs for child and adolescent inpatient psychiatric care has been an ongoing focus of research. Current practice gaps exist with respect to the lack of a formalized suicide risk assessment screening process for youth that utilizes an evidence-based tool. A thorough review of the clinical practice guidelines related to suicide risk assessment in youth is a necessary first step for identifying practice gaps and to identify areas of needed improvement. In the following sections, a review of the literature has helped to identify evidence supporting the intervention and utilization of the C-SSRS as an evidence-based tool to formally assess youth at risk of suicide. The strengths and limitations of available research have been considered, including practice implications and implications for future research.

Course Format

Homestudy

Learning Objectives

• To provide knowledge for health clinicians who are interested in a quality improvement intervention aimed at safe and effective suicide prevention in a child and adolescent mental health facility.

Course Syllabus

• Introduction
• Current State of Suicidality in Youth
  • Prevalence of Suicide in Youth
• Role of the Advanced Practice Nurse to Develop a Quality Improvement Plan for Suicide Risk in Youth
  • Scientific Knowledge, Organizational and Systems Leadership
  • Analytical Methods and Technology to Improve Healthcare
  • Advocacy in Healthcare and Interprofessional Collaboration
  • Prevention and Improving the Nation’s Health
• Suicide Assessment Screening: Identifying an Intervention
  • Evidence-Based Assessment Tool: C-SSRS
• Clinical Practice Guidelines
  • Implications for Practice
• Organizational and Practice Change
  • Quality Improvement Framework
  • The Three Questions and PDSA Cycle
• Case Example: Therapeutic Residential Group Home and School
  • Practice Change Implementation Plan: Building Knowledge and Planning for Change
  • Implementing Change
  • Spreading Improvement
  • Results
  • Lessons Learned
  • Limitations
• Recommendations for Future Practice
• Summary

Author

Carly Sell, DNP, PMHNP-BC

Carly Sell, a Montana native, has worked as a psychiatric nurse for the past 14 years. Carly graduated in 2007 from Carroll College with her bachelor’s degree in nursing and from Montana State University in 2022 with her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. Carly has always been passionate about improving overall mental health and wellbeing throughout the state of Montana through areas such as suicide prevention, mental health awareness education, and trauma-informed care. At home, Carly enjoys spending time with her husband, three amazing children, and a multitude of furry, feathered, and scaled friends. In addition, she loves hiking, attempting to garden, and supporting her family in their many sporting events and activities.