Impact of Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) in Emergency Department on Suicide Risk Identification of Hospitalized Adults
Advisor(s)
Sarah BassittÂ
Confirmation
1
Document Type
Poster
Location
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Start Date
24-4-2026 11:00 AM
End Date
24-4-2026 11:50 AM
Abstract
Problem: Suicide is among the leading causes of death in adults worldwide. For many, the emergency department serves as primary healthcare access; however, suicide risk assessments vary widely and lack standardization. Inconsistency in screening may lead to poor identification of at-risk patients and compromise safety. The C-SSRS screening tool has been found to be effective in identifying those at risk.
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine whether nurse-administered use of the C-SSRS in the emergency department, compared with using non-standardized suicide risk assessments, will improve the identification of suicide risk among adult patients during hospitalization.
Methods: This study will use a quasi-experimental pre-post implementation design in the ED of a Level I trauma center. Participants include adult patients over 18 years using a convenience sample over two one-month periods. In the intervention phase, nurses will administer the C-SSRS to all adult patients at triage. Data from the EHR will be collected, including screening results, consultations, and initiation of precautions. A comparative analysis will assess differences in suicide risk identification.
Conclusion: Implementing standardized suicide risk screening may improve early identification of at-risk patients and enhance patient safety during hospitalization. Findings can inform evidence-based nursing, enabling prompt treatment and safety measures.
Recommended Citation
Blumke, Bayleigh Anne, "Impact of Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) in Emergency Department on Suicide Risk Identification of Hospitalized Adults" (2026). ONU Student Research Colloquium. 29.
https://digitalcommons.onu.edu/student_research_colloquium/2026/Posters/29
Open Access
Available to all.
Impact of Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) in Emergency Department on Suicide Risk Identification of Hospitalized Adults
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Problem: Suicide is among the leading causes of death in adults worldwide. For many, the emergency department serves as primary healthcare access; however, suicide risk assessments vary widely and lack standardization. Inconsistency in screening may lead to poor identification of at-risk patients and compromise safety. The C-SSRS screening tool has been found to be effective in identifying those at risk.
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine whether nurse-administered use of the C-SSRS in the emergency department, compared with using non-standardized suicide risk assessments, will improve the identification of suicide risk among adult patients during hospitalization.
Methods: This study will use a quasi-experimental pre-post implementation design in the ED of a Level I trauma center. Participants include adult patients over 18 years using a convenience sample over two one-month periods. In the intervention phase, nurses will administer the C-SSRS to all adult patients at triage. Data from the EHR will be collected, including screening results, consultations, and initiation of precautions. A comparative analysis will assess differences in suicide risk identification.
Conclusion: Implementing standardized suicide risk screening may improve early identification of at-risk patients and enhance patient safety during hospitalization. Findings can inform evidence-based nursing, enabling prompt treatment and safety measures.