Quality of risk assessment prior to suicide and homicide: A pilot study

In this study we developed a framework for evaluating the quality of risk assessment based on existing guidelines and research. The framework was applied to a random sample of patients who had died by suicide or committed homicide within 7 days of contact with a mental health professional who judged the risk of suicide or homicide to be low or none.

The study was commissioned by the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership (HQIP) and concluded in September 2012. Findings were published in a report in June 2013 and informed the development of our current study 'the assessment of risk and safety in mental health services'.