Introduction
The use of evidence-based rating scales enables accurate assessment of diagnosis and intervention during psychiatric evaluations. C-SSRS is one means of assessment for determining suicide ideations and behaviours. Psychiatric interviews have three major elements that this paper will describe. It also focuses on the psychometric characteristics of the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (CSSRS). Further, it discovers the suitability of the CSSRS for various psychometric assessments and its value to nurse practitioners.
Three Key Aspects of the Psychiatric Interview
A psychiatric interview constitutes a great part of the assessment process, with relevant diagnostic and planning material. Rapport building, the formation of a therapeutic alliance, and conducting a comprehensive MSE are the three major aspects of the psychiatric interview. A good rapport helps to develop trust and comfort. It helps clients talk frankly with their nursing practitioners. For example, there is no denying that a “collaborative approach is an extension of customer engagement, especially where there exists a positive doctor-patient alliance” (Philip et al., 2020). The mental status exam (MSE) with the appearance, behaviour, mental reasoning capacity, behaviour, thought process, and mood is the current observation done on a mentally ill client, which will assist in the diagnostic procedures.
Psychometric Properties of Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)
Some of the frequently used suicide assessment tools include the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale. Its psychometric properties include reliability and validity that, make it useful in detecting and measuring suicide riskiness. C-SSRS is good at detecting changes in suicidal ideas and, hence, is suitable for monitoring treatment results (Simpson et al., 2020). Given that, as indicated by Philip and others (2020), regular use of the C-SSRS is warranted in psychiatric evaluation for mood disorders. Furthermore, it has been said that suicidal ideation is dynamic, and one needs to monitor it on a continuous basis so as to be able to identify any changes, either for the worst or better of a person contemplating suicide.
Appropriate Use of C-SSRS in Psychiatric Interviews
The suitability of the C-SSRS in various clinical conditions can be shown in a psychiatric examination. An example would be using a suicidality scale to assess the degree of suicidality that one may find in cases related to mood disorders and suicidal tendencies. Apart from this, C-SSRS may also be used in scoring suicide risk and developing remedial approaches for those who have attempted it before and whose probability of committing such an act is high.
The Usefulness of the C-SSSRS in Nurse Psychiatrists’ Assessment
A nurse practitioner’s psychiatry assessment can benefit by integrating the C-SSRS as it adds to the value of the client’s risk profile. The scale systematically examines for assessing various levels of suicide risks and develops personalized safety plans for an NP (Bjureberg et al., 2021). Using the C-SSRS in the judgment by the NP regarding optimal modes of interventions or necessary level of treatment. C-SSRS is an evidence-based measure ensuring the safety and efficacy of psychiatric care delivery.
Conclusion
The use of C-SSRS scales in psychiatry improves risk assessment during interviews among individuals with depressive illness. Its sound psychometric properties indicate that it is reliable and sensitive to change. It is an important tool that helps in guiding treatment decision-making and formulating specific safety plan that ensures safe and effective psychotic care for NPs.
References
Philip, P., Dupuy, L., Auriacombe, M., Serre, F., de Sevin, E., Sauteraud, A., & Micoulaud-Franchi, J.-A. (2020). Trust and acceptance of a virtual psychiatric interview between embodied conversational agents and outpatients. Npj Digital Medicine, 3(1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41746-019-0213-y
Bjureberg, J., Dahlin, M., Carlborg, A., Edberg, H., Haglund, A., & Runeson, B. (2021). Columbia-suicide severity rating scale Screen Version: initial screening for suicide risk in a psychiatric emergency department. Psychological Medicine, 52(16), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0033291721000751
Simpson, S., Goans, C., Loh, R., Ryall, karen, Allana Middleton, M. C., & Dalton, A. (2020). Suicidal ideation is insensitive to suicide risk after ED discharge: Performance characteristics of the columbia‐suicide severity rating scale screener. Academic Emergency Medicine, 28(6). https://doi.org/10.1111/acem.14198
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