210 - Universal Suicide Screening in a Pediatric Emergency Department is Feasible: Even during a Pandemic
Monday, April 25, 2022
3:30 PM – 6:00 PM US MT
Poster Number: 210 Publication Number: 210.400
Steven C. Rogers, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Glastonbury, CT, United States; Danielle Chenard, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, CT, United States; Kevin Borrup, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, CT, United States; Kristen Volz, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Wethersfield, CT, United States; Shane J. Sacco, University of Connecticut, New Britain, CT, United States
Pediatric Emergency Medicine Physician Connecticut Children's Medical Center Glastonbury, Connecticut, United States
Background: Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for youth age 10-24 in the United States. Suicide rates in youth have been climbing over the last decade, and focus on prevention should be a priority. Implementation of universal suicide risk screening in pediatric emergency departments (PED) may provide early detection and intervention for at risk youth.
Objective: We sought to demonstrate the feasibility of implementing universal suicide risk screening in a PED with a goal of greater than 70% staff compliance. Our study also examined screening result data to describe any significant trends across demographics.
Design/Methods: This retrospective chart review study examined youth ≥10 years old presenting to the PED. Records from 09/2019-08/2021 were searched to determine suicide risk using a validated suicide screening tool by nursing staff. Data were described with appropriate summary statistics (e.g., proportions) and compared by relevant covariates (e.g., gender) with appropriate test statistics including chi square and z-test analysis.
Results: Over a 2-year period, 31,344 children between the ages of 10-21 presented to the PED. Of those patients, 26,992 (86%) were screened for risk of suicide, which did not show a significant change during the pandemic (table 1; Z=-0.52, p=.61); minimum compliance rate was 83.8% and maximum was 89.4%. Of those screened, 5039 (19%) of patients screened positive for suicide risk; 1738 (7%) had a medical chief complaint which was significantly lower compared to 3077 (11%) that had a behavioral health chief complaint (χ [1, n=22889] = 6273.2, p< .001). Females had a significant association with positive screens (χ [1, n=26992] = 9.3, p=.002). Non-Hispanic or Latino patients also had a significant association with positive screens χ [1, n=26992] = 79.9, p< .001.Conclusion(s): Universal suicide risk screening for youth is feasible in a PED. This was demonstrated by higher-than-expected rates of staff compliance with completing universal suicide screening. There has been no significant change in screening compliance rates during the COVID pandemic. Suicidal thoughts and/or behaviors were prevalent in a significant proportion of children presenting to the PED with both medical and behavioral health chief complaints. Identifying all at risk youth and providing them with appropriate resources may improve patient safety. Staff Compliance from 9/2019 to 8/2021