Individuals experiencing homelessness face a significantly higher risk of suicide compared to the general population. This disparity often stems from extreme social needs and the presence of complex multimorbidity. Effective continuity of care suicide prevention strategies address these risks by ensuring that patients receive consistent support across various healthcare providers. Care coordination serves as a protective factor, particularly when mental health nurses take a leading role in managing complex patient trajectories.

Furthermore, the use of validated tools like the Alberta Continuity of Services Scale for Mental Health (ACSS-MH) allows clinicians to measure the quality of service delivery. Consequently, psychiatric nurses can identify gaps in care that might otherwise lead to increased suicidal ideation. By applying the specific subscales from the ACSS-MH, nursing teams can evaluate their effectiveness in suicide risk detection and implement long-term prevention protocols.

Advancing Continuity of Care Suicide Prevention

The U.S. Veterans Affairs (VA) Homeless Patient-Aligned Care Team (HPACT) serves as a successful practice exemplar for this approach. This model integrates primary care with social services and universal suicide screening. Therefore, adopting similar innovative screening models in other clinical settings can significantly impact patient safety. Specifically, psychiatric nurses who foster intentional continuity can reduce the fragmentation that often plagues marginalized populations.

In summary, quality improvement in psychiatric nursing must start with precise measurement. Validated tools drive both research and clinical excellence in high-risk populations. As a result, healthcare systems can transition from reactive crisis management to proactive, continuous care models that save lives.

FAQ

What is the ACSS-MH scale used for?

The ACSS-MH (Alberta Continuity of Services Scale for Mental Health) is a measurement tool that helps healthcare providers evaluate the consistency and coordination of mental health services across different providers and timeframes.

Why is continuity of care vital for suicide prevention?

Homeless individuals often receive fragmented care from multiple sources, which increases the risk of them falling through the cracks. Continuous care coordination ensures that high-risk patients are monitored consistently, significantly reducing the likelihood of missed warning signs.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or a professional relationship between the reader and the author. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition. Refer to the latest local and national guidelines for clinical practice.

References

Anderson AJ et al. Continuity of Care as Suicide Prevention: Measures and Models to Consider for Nurses Serving People With Experiences of Homelessness. J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc. 2026 May 10. doi: 10.1177/10783903261440181. PMID: 42106956.

Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC). Improving Care for Homeless Patients at Risk for Suicide. Education Development Center (EDC); 2018.

Role of Psychiatric Nurses in Suicide Prevention: Aligned with SDG 3. Vascular and Endovascular Review. 2025;8(3s):393-401.