The Prevalence of Suicide and Suicidal Ideation in Adult Oncology Patients

Objective The aim of this quality improvement initiative is to implement the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) to enhance the early detection of suicide risk among adult oncology patients and to facilitate timely referrals for mental health support. Background Adult cancer patients experience substantial psychological distress due to the challenges related to their diagnoses and treatments, significantly increasing their suicide risk. The lack of routine suicide screenings in oncology settings impedes the early identification of at-risk patients, necessitating evidence-based approaches. Methodology The project involved 50 adult oncology patients and was conducted at a hospital in Texas over eight weeks. Weekly screenings using the C-SSRS were administered, and staff training was provided to ensure adherence to the process. Metrics evaluated included screening compliance rates and documentation accuracy, while outcome measures monitored positive screenings and subsequent mental health referrals. Data collected comprised quantitative and qualitative information through compliance logs, patient records, and staff feedback. Results Findings Out of the 50 patients screened, staff adherence was an impressive 96%. Two patients (4%) demonstrated a positive screening for suicide risk and were referred for further assessment. Following training, staff reported increased confidence in conducting screenings. Adjustments in screening frequency, shifting from daily to weekly, successfully mitigated cultural barriers and addressed workload concerns. Practice Implications The implementation of the C-SSRS was both feasible and effective in identifying suicide risk in oncology settings, emphasizing the vital need for routine mental health screenings to improve patient care outcomes. Future initiatives should focus on sustaining this intervention and exploring its applicability in other clinical settings.