Advanced Nursing and Nursing Practice

Suicidal ideation in US nursing homes: Association with individual and facility factors

Temkin-Greener H, et al   January 09, (2020) Researchers sought to determine the frequency and timing of suicidal ideation (SI) in US nursing homes, and further they investigated the association of SI with individual and facility-level factors. Between July 1, 2014, and June 30, 2015, they assessed 1,864,102 postacute and 304,106 long-stay admissions to just over 15,000 NHs. SI and key covariates were identified using 100% of the national Minimum Data Set 3.0. Responses to one item on the PHQ-9 scale formed the basis for SI. The assessment of SI was done at admission and discharge in postacute residents. SI was assessed at admission and assessments closest to 90, 180, and 365 days thereafter in long-stay residents. Outcomes revealed the highest SI risk at admission and subsequently the risk declines. Residents with severe depression exhibited significantly increased odds of SI at admission and all subsequent intervals. They noted significantly lower rates of SI among residents in for-profits than those in not-for-profits.