Examining the Efficacy of No-Suicide Contracts in Inpatient Psychiatric Settings: Implications for Psychiatric Nursing

Author: Puskar Kathryn   Urda Bridget  

Publisher: Informa Healthcare

ISSN: 1096-4673

Source: Issues in Mental Health Nursing, Vol.32, Iss.12, 2011-11, pp. : 785-788

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Abstract

Verbal and written no-suicide contracts are commonly practiced by psychiatric nurses in inpatient psychiatric facilities. However, evidence is sparse regarding whether no-suicide contracts are effective tools for maintaining patient safety. The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of the verbal and written no-suicide contracts, discuss the resulting implications for psychiatric nurses on inpatient units, and suggest alternative clinical practices for inpatient psychiatric nurses to utilize to increase patient safety.