Screening for Suicide in Veterans with Cancer

Author

Dina E. McNeil, Southern Illinois University EdwardsvilleFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-5-2024

Document Type

DNP Project

Project Team Faculty Member

Theresa Marcotte

Project Team Faculty Member

Rebecca Luebbert

Keywords

Veterans with cancer, suicide screening. suicide risk assessment, Columbia Suicide Screening, Veterans Health Administration, SEER, suicide screening tools

Abstract

Veterans are at a higher suicide risk than the general population. Veterans with cancer are at a 47% higher risk for suicide. The Veterans Health Administration has an annual suicide screening requirement, but no requirement for more frequent assessment in this high-risk population. Clinical staff may also be hesitant due to fear and anxiety, serving as a barrier to screening. The objective of this project was to educate oncology clinical staff about risk factors for suicide in veterans with cancer, the use of the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), referral processes, and local resources, and intended to increase the number of suicide screenings performed. The primary outcome measured was the number of suicide screenings performed after the education of staff. Data was reviewed for sixty days, both pre-education and post-education. No screenings (n=0) were performed by the educated staff during the post-education period. Education did not affect the number of screenings performed. The secondary finding was that mandatory annual suicide screening was not being performed consistently. Mandatory annual suicide screenings must be addressed by the facility before implementing additional screenings within the oncology department for veterans with cancer. The Cancer Care Navigation Team is a potential solution in performing these screens since the team is responsible for managing cancer cases with complex treatment plans and evaluating veterans for psychosocial issues, making referrals as appropriate.

Recommended Citation

McNeil, Dina E., "Screening for Suicide in Veterans with Cancer" (2024). Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects. 327.
https://spark.siue.edu/dnpprojects/327

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