Changing conversations in suicide risk management: A new model called RISK

Abstract

This article presents a new communicative model for managing risk of suicide. The RISK framework can be used in conjunction with traditional problem focused approaches to increase the collaboration between healthcare professionals and patients when creating a safety plan.Using this model allows the healthcare professional to curiously ask how the person has kept safe for this long(Resources),how much they know already about how they have done this and what they would notice if the thoughts of attempting suicide were absent or managed(Increments).Next, the framework considers how might the resources discussed be best shared with others (e.g. professionals, family) and who or what else outside of the room might be able to help the increments(Sharing).Finally, in this framework, the professional aims to understand how all of the above ensures the individual keeps their existing expertise at the forefront of the difficulties they are experiencing(Knowledge).Inspired by the ‘GRIN Model of Hope’ (Unwin & Unwin, 2019), this framework also derives from solution focused brief therapy and positive psychology. Within this paper, we follow ‘Alan’ who has arrived at his health appointment in distress, and shares that he wants to end his life. The implications for clinical practice are discussed.The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how solution focused risk management approaches might be better realised in any healthcare setting where risk presents.