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Ligature and/or Suicide Risk Reduction - Assessing Protective Factors
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NPSG.15.01.01 EP 3 requires that the suicide risk assessment include 'protective factors'. What are examples of protective factors ?

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Any examples are for illustrative purposes only.

NPSG.15.01.01 EP 3 requires that the suicide risk assessment include 'protective factors'. What are examples of protective factors? (Effective: July 1, 2019)

Protective factors may be described as characteristics associated with a lower likelihood of negative outcomes or that reduce a risk factor's impact. Protective factors may buffer individuals from suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Examples of protective factors include, but are not limited to:

  • Safe, secure, monitored environment (e.g. inpatient hospitalization)
  • Receiving clinical care for mental, physical, and substance abuse disorders
  • Easy access to a variety of clinical interventions and support for help seeking
  • Family and community support (connectedness)
  • Support from ongoing medical and mental health care relationships
  • Skills in problem solving, conflict resolution, and nonviolent ways of handling disputes
  • Cultural and religious beliefs that discourage suicide and support instincts for self-preservation

References:

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

Additional Resources
Suicide Prevention Portal

Manual: Critical Access Hospital
Chapter: National Patient Safety Goals NPSG
Last reviewed by Standards Interpretation: February 01, 2022 Represents the most recent date that the FAQ was reviewed (e.g. annual review).
First published date: May 07, 2019 This Standards FAQ was first published on this date.
This page was last updated on February 01, 2022 with update notes of: Review only, FAQ is current Types of changes and an explanation of change type: Editorial changes only: Format changes only. No changes to content. | Review only, FAQ is current: Periodic review completed, no changes to content. | Reflects new or updated requirements: Changes represent new or revised requirements.
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