The period after a crisis presentation or discharge carries the highest risk, and contact in that window is established good practice. What happens at that first meeting matters: a collaborative safety plan, restriction of access to means, and a named person and number to call.
Write the safety plan with the patient, in their words, and give them a copy. Ask about pesticides, stored medicines and other means at home, and involve family where the patient agrees.
- Arrange follow-up contact within days of a crisis presentation or discharge
- Write a safety plan with the patient and give them a copy
- Ask specifically about access to pesticides, stored medicines and other means
- Name a contact person and number the patient can reach
- Involve a trusted family member where the patient consents
Why it matters
The engagement at first contact may be doing more of the work than any message sent afterwards.
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