Belmont University Research Symposium (BURS)
Publication Date
Spring 3-24-2024
College
Health Sciences & Nursing, Gordon E. Inman College of
Department
Nursing, School of
BURS Faculty Advisor
Kathryn Dambrino DNP, APRN, FNP-BC
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Abstract
Background: Suicide is a leading cause of death among college age students, prompting the need for evidence-based screening tools like the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) to enable early detection and timely intervention. Inconsistencies in suicide screening may pose a risk of missed intervention opportunities. This Doctor of Nursing Practice project specifically aimed to improve the quality and consistency of suicide screening in a university student health clinic by implementing the C-SSRS tool into the clinic workflow during mental health appointments. Methods: Employing a quality improvement framework, this scholarly project followed the Institute for Healthcare Improvement Model for Improvement and the Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle. The C-SSRS was chosen as the evidence-based screening tool following a literature review and stakeholder meetings. Interventions: The project implemented a standardized suicide screening process using the C-SSRS during mental health appointments. Interventions included staff education, electronic health record template development, and clinic rounding for staff support. Staff attitudes were surveyed at the end of implementation. Results: Monthly mental health appointments increased during implementation. The C-SSRS was used in 98.06% of appointments. The tool assisted clinicians in the identification of 220 low-risk, 27 moderate-risk, and 6 high-risk patients. Discrepancies between patients’ C-SSRS risk levels and documented care plans using the clinic’s suicide risk decision tool were higher than expected. Conclusion: The project successfully integrated the C-SSRS into the clinic workflow, enhancing standardization and identification of at-risk patients. Continued improvement efforts are recommended for improved documentation efficiency and data collection methods.
Recommended Citation
Strong, Addie Grace BSN, RN; Dambrino, Kathryn DNP, APRN, FNP-BC; and Phillippi, R. David PhD, "Implementation of a Standardized Suicide Screening Process in a University Student Health Clinic: A Quality Improvement Project" (2024). Belmont University Research Symposium (BURS). 495.
https://repository.belmont.edu/burs/495
