Mental Health Risk Assessment: A Personalised Approach

Abstract

In this chapter, we focus on the specific role of the mental health nurse in conducting meaningful risk assessment and co-producing a care and safety (risk management) plan. As a core feature of high quality mental health nursing practice, we present a practical formulation approach, clarifying key aspects and considerations through the use of case studies, as adapted from our own practice.

THIS CHAPTER COVERS
• Ways of thinking of about risk
• Using a practical formulation approach to working with risk within mental
health practice
• Conducting a risk assessment:
o accessing and gathering information
o considering the presence of historical and recent risk and protective factors
o considering the use of structured assessment tools
o developing the risk formulation
• Working alongside the individual in negotiating a meaningful care and safety
plan:
o negotiating an action plan
o undertaking frequent and regular review
o forming a meaningful account
• Issues/factors that may facilitate or hinder meaningful risk assessment and
risk management.