Emergency Medical Minute Mental Health Monthly #9: Suicide Assessment in the ED: Using the ICAR2E Tool
Dr. Kim Nordstrom discusses a valuable bedside tool for evidence-based assessment in patients that visit the ED and are at risk for suicidality. Dr. Nordstrom is a practicing emergency psychiatrist and associate professor with the University of Colorado. As a developer and user of the tool, Dr. Nordstrom gives us invaluable insight into a new avenue for psychiatric care in emergency medicine.
Educational Pearls:
- An app-based tool made in conjunction with ACEP
- Identifying suicidal risk for each patient, including assessment of clues like bodily injuries
- Communicating with patients to create a safe space and enhance rapport
- Assessing for threats such as environmental or personal objects
- Risk assessment; previous attempts, mental state, life stressors, etc.
- Risk reduction once discharge is thought possible
- Extension of care once patients leave the ED
Link to Access the ICAR2E Tool
References
Wilson MP, Moutier C, et al. Emergency department recommendations for suicide prevention in adults: The ICAR2E mnemonic and a systematic review of the literature. Am J Emerg Med. 2020; 38:571-581.
Summarized by Jorge Chalit
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