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Patient suicide is an unavoidable occupational hazard of psychiatric practice. Indeed, it is the rare clinician who does not struggle, even agonize, over the complex task of assessing and managing the risk of suicide in patients. Patient suicides account for the greatest number of malpractice suits filed against psychiatrists and for the greatest number of settlements and verdicts covered by professional liability insurers.
In this book, written by a clinician for clinicians, Dr.
Simon, an established expert in psychiatry and law, offers
• A solid, easy-to-understand review of how medical malpractice law
applies to patient suicides. He discusses the standards of care physicians
must meet, the conditions associated with malpractice liability, and how
best to minimize risks of litigation.
• Extensive references to
peer-reviewed literature on suicide and recent malpractice cases, including
those triggered by patient suicides, which give insight into the latest
developments in both the scientific community and the courts.
•
Much-needed practical advice, including advice on working with suicide risk
assessments and suicide prevention contracts, on treating suicidal patients
in various settings (outpatient, inpatient, collaborative, and emergency),
and on coping with issues arising in the aftermath of a patient's suicide
(documentation, confidentiality, and survivor care).
• Clearly defined
risk management guidelines that will help clinicians avoid litigation or
establish a sound legal defense if sued for malpractice.
• Numerous
case examples that make the theoretical discussions and clinically based
risk management guidelines that follow come alive.
Rich in advice that draws on the author's more than 40 years of clinical experience, this book serves as an essential aid to clinicians.
Condensing the immense amount of literature on this subject into one book, while ensuring it maintains its clinical focus, proves quite challenging. Yet, Dr. Simon imparts his vast clinical experience and keen forensic knowledge in a book that is both readable and educational.
— Steven T. Herron, M.D.
I did not hesitate to accept the opportunity to review Robert Simon's latest book on suicide. I have come to expect great things from him over the years. This book is not a disappointment. It is an easy and enjoyable read, informative, filled with relevant and interesting clinical cases, and built around an inescapable reality.
— Robert O. Pasnau, M.D.
It should be read by clinical practitioners of all stripes.
The book describes in fluid text and detailed terms the intricacies of malpractice litigation, suicide assessment and management, and suicide aftermath. Each chapter includes relevant case studies that aptly exemplify the variety of situations that psychiatrists may face in treating suicidal patients. Additionally, at the end of each chapter the preceding text is summarized in useful bullet points to reinforce central messages. Comprehensive reference lists are also included.
Robert I. Simon, M.D., is Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Program in Psychiatry and Law at Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, DC, and Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland.
Foreword
Preface
Chapter 1. Suicide and Malpractice
Litigation
Chapter 2. Suicide Risk Assessment
Chapter 3. Suicide
Prevention Contracts
Chapter 4. Outpatients
Chapter 5. Collaborative
Treatment
Chapter 6. Inpatients
Chapter 7. Emergency Psychiatric
Services
Chapter 8. Suicide Aftermath: Documentation, Confidentiality,
and Survivor Care
Index of Legal Cases and Statutes
Subject
Index