Course Provider
Learning Objectives
Describe the current epidemiology of suicide in the general population, as well as in U.S. military Service member and Veteran populations
Articulate the scope, purpose, and intended audience of the 2024 VA/DoD CPG for Suicide Risk.
Explain the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) methodology and its role in determining the strength of clinical recommendations.
Apply the CPG's three-module algorithm for the identification, comprehensive assessment, and management of patients at acute risk for suicide.
Differentiate between low, intermediate, and high acute suicide risk by identifying their core features as defined in the guideline.
Identify key risk factors (e.g., psychiatric, social, physical) and protective factors to be evaluated during a comprehensive suicide risk assessment
Evaluate the evidence and CPG recommendations for non-pharmacologic interventions, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Crisis Response Planning (CRP).
Assess the CPG recommendations for pharmacologic and somatic treatments, including the use of clozapine, ketamine, lithium, and rTMS for specific patient populations.
Incorporate routine care practices for suicide prevention, including Lethal Means Safety (LMS) counseling, Safety Planning Interventions (SPI), and post-acute care strategies like periodic caring communications.
Recognize the importance of community-based interventions and a public health approach to suicide prevention.