Mental Health Monthly #9: Suicide Assessment in the ED: Using the ICAR2E Tool

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">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.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Educational Pearls:</strong></p> <p> </p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">An app-based tool made in conjunction with ACEP</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Identifying suicidal risk for each patient, including assessment of clues like bodily injuries</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Communicating with patients to create a safe space and enhance rapport</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Assessing for threats such as environmental or personal objects</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Risk assessment; previous attempts, mental state, life stressors, etc.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Risk reduction once discharge is thought possible</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Extension of care once patients leave the ED</span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://www.acep.org/patient-care/icar2e"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Link to Access the ICAR</span><span style= "font-weight: 400;">2</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">E Tool</span></a></p> <p><strong>References</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Wilson MP, Moutier C, et al. Emergency department recommendations for suicide prevention in adults: The ICAR</span><span style= "font-weight: 400;">2</span><span style=