Suicide Detection, Intervention, and Prevention: A Clinical Guide for Osteopathic Physicians- 2 AOA Category 1-A Credits

At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Identify evidence-based warning signs, clinical and behavioral risk factors, priority at-risk populations, and validated suicide-risk screening tools across clinical settings.

2. Formulate a whole-person suicide-risk judgment using direct, stigma-reducing communication, structured inquiry, physical and mental health findings, substance use, social supports, cultural or spiritual protective factors, and level-of-care criteria.

3. Develop a collaborative safety plan that incorporates temporary and voluntary reductions in access to lethal means, crisis resources, and early follow-up.

4. Select evidence-based treatment, crisis, follow-up, and system-level strategies for continuity and safe transitions of care.

Suicide Detection, Intervention, and Prevention prepares osteopathic physicians to recognize and respond to suicide risk across clinical settings. The course covers current epidemiology, risk factors and warning signs, validated screening tools, direct and stigma-reducing assessment, whole-person risk formulation, level-of-care and documentation decisions, collaborative safety planning, counseling on access to lethal means, evidence-based treatment strategies, and safe follow-up practices. Learners will develop a practical approach to identifying risk, evaluating immediate safety, implementing appropriate protective actions, and coordinating referral and continuity of care.

The course addresses persistent gaps in suicide-safer care, including nondisclosure of suicidal thoughts, reliance on unsupported no-suicide contracts, inconsistent assessment and documentation, and failure to arrange active follow-up after suicide-related encounters. Current evidence and clinical guidance are translated into practical workflows that osteopathic physicians can apply within their scope of practice, applicable laws, organizational policies, and the AOA core competencies of Medical Knowledge, Patient Care, Interpersonal Skills, and Systems-Based Practice.

State requirement: This course satisfies the two-hour continuing education requirement for physicians in Nevada.