Educating Staff of a Memory Disorder Clinic on the Utilization of a Standardized Suicide Screening Tool to Improve Knowledge and Care for Patients Diagnosed with Dementia

Background: Suicide is a major health problem that is among the leading causes of deaths in the United States and can be prevented through community-based interventions. Suicide rates in older adults are increasing. Common suicidal risk factors include a decline in cognitive function, having other psychiatric comorbidities, and dementia. The risk for suicide increases for individuals within the first three months of receiving a dementia diagnosis and includes the first three months of another subgroup of individuals who were diagnosed with dementia before the age of 65.
Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project is to educate the staff at a memory and wellness center in Boca Raton on how to use a standardized suicide screening tool to improve their knowledge and perceived comfort in utilizing the tool and providing care to patients with dementia.