Separating the Wheat from the Chaff: Identification & Triage Using the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)

Separating the Wheat from the Chaff: Identification & Triage Using the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)

Conference: 2013 Beyond the Basics in Suicide Prevention — Taking Science into Practice

Thursday, Mar 21, 2013
DoubleTree by Hilton, South Portland Workshop/Presentation: B1: Separating the Wheat from the Chaff: Identification & Triage Using the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)
Kelly Posner, PhD

Use of the C-SSRS can improve patient safety and help relieve anxiety about not having the “right questions” to ask in identifying high risk individuals. This workshop reviewed the C-SSRS and its administration, covering its items predictive of increased risk including: severity of ideation, intensity of ideation, behaviors, and lethality of behaviors. The C-SSRS has definitions and associated probes, fostering easier and improved identification. Participants learned about how to administer the full and screening versions of the tool; how to customize the tool for various systems; and how to interpret results, streamlining triage and care delivery. Population-specific editions were reviewed (pediatric, military, etc.). System-wide implementation across multiple settings were discussed. At completion, participants were certified to administer the C-SSRS. No prior mental health training is required to administer the C-SSRS. The audiences ranged from primary care providers to peer counselors, first responders, clergy and all gatekeepers. After the workshop, participants were able to administer the C-SSRS and received a certificate.