Adult Outpatient Script for Nursing Staff
Say to visitor (if present):
“We have a few questions we ask in private. I’m going to ask you to step out of the room for a few minutes”
Once the visitor steps out, say to the patient:
“At our medical setting, we are committed to patient safety. Many things, including medical problems, can cause emotional distress, sometimes leading people to have thoughts of suicide. Therefore, we are asking all patients a few questions about suicide.” Administer the ASQ and any other questions you want to ask in private (e.g. domestic violence).
If patient screens positive, say to the patient:
“It’s important that you spoke up about this. I’m going to talk to your medical team and someone who is trained to talk to patients about suicide is going to come speak with you.