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