TW: Discussions about patient suicide

Where is the medicolegal liability in patient suicide? Does "zero suicide" branding add problems?

Thank you @MedscapeDeb for such a comprehensive look. I'm honoured to be alongside @appelbap and @KazJNelson tackling such a difficult issue. https://twitter.com/MedscapeDeb/status/1316776022440849409

The zeroing in of the psychiatrists' experience is intentional and the focus of this reporting; anyone who hears me speak about suicide knows that the patient and family side is just as fraught with a complex and interwoven series of emotions and issues.

I have unfortunately experienced patient suicides owing to my work dedicated to emergency psychiatry; each case tragic, each case leaving an impact, yet not in every case is it necessary that mistakes were made.

Institutions can SILENCE open discussions by focusing on blame.

Every major patient outcome including death by suicide should prompt a review, but the perspective should be on potential lessons to be learned, honouring the person, the family, and those who cared for them, and NOT finding out "who made the mistake."