Are Clinicians Confident in the Risk Assessment of Suicide?: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Suicide reduction is recognized as a vital focus for mental health clinicians. Clinician confidence to undertake suicide risk assessment, though poorly understood, appears related to job performance, though overconfidence has also been evident in clinical practice. A systematic literature search was undertaken on PSYCinfo and MEDLINE using the terms: suicide risk assessment, confidence, clinician. Of 192 papers identified, 10 articles were deemed pertinent. These for the most part suggested clinician confidence above the 50% chance level though statistical evidence was lacking for all but two. The literature fails to provide sufficient and objective evidence of the impact of clinician confidence in practice. Recommendations are provided for future research.

Keywords:

• Assessment
• clinician
• confidence
• risk
• suicide

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Nicola D. Airey

Nicola Airey has completed degrees in Psychology to Bachelors (2017) and Masters levels (2018) and currently works as a Higher Assistant Psychologist at Navigo Health and Social Care CiC in Grimsby, United Kingdom.

Zaffer Iqbal

Zaffer Iqbal has completed a PhD and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, with research interests in Early Intervention in Psychosis and suicidality. He holds a Professorship at the University of Hull, United Kingdom whilst also working as Clinical Director for Psychological Services at Navigo Health and Social Care CiC, Grimsby, United Kingdom.