Page 86 - Retail Pharmacy Magazine October 2020

84 CPD ACTIVITY FROM PAGE 83 been suggested as an effective screening mechanism. Risk assessment during discharge from emergency departments and acute care is critical, particularly as suicide risk is greatest 30 days after discharge from hospital. Local community responses to suicide prevention: early prevention Engaging new players and new settings in early suicide prevention is gaining increased relevance in emerging research. These are the ‘human touch points’ within the community where people are more likely to have an ongoing relationship, and experiences of distress will be noticeable to others. These settings include: • Community pharmacies. • Public libraries and parks. • Rail stations. • Shopping malls. • Pubs and clubs. • Gambling venues. • Rental property agencies. • Banks and financial service providers. • Hairdressers. Emerging suicide prevention programs and initiatives are focusing on early prevention with the aim to avert suicide ideation. These programs incorporate knowledge and skills to increase confidence and competence to support individuals as they become vulnerable and/or are experiencing a personal crisis. The following information provides an overview of conversational tips and strategies to improve communication with vulnerable others. Planning your conversation It’s essential that all conversations are approached respectfully and non- judgementally and that the person about whom you are concerned is the focus of the conversation. The following provides an overview of tips and sentence starters you can use in your conversations with vulnerable others. Initiating the conversation Your relationship with the individual will influence what you say or don’t say. Ask open ended questions and/or make remarks that show genuine concern such as: • I’ve noticed you seem a little different today. • I wonder how you are going. Would you like to chat with me and together we can find a solution to your concerns? • I am sorry you have lost a loved one. Is there anything I can do to support you during this time? These are excellent ways to start these conversations. Ensure that you: • Have these conversations in a space where privacy can best be maintained. • Take the time to listen to and understand the person’s story. It’s essential to remember that your role is not to fix the person’s problem, but rather support them to develop and implement actions to address their concerns. • Conclude with an action plan that ensures the person has identified actions to address their concerns and specified times for you to follow up and maintain connection with them. Actions may include referral to an app, support group or another professional for expert intervention. Summarising Summarising is a useful skill to practise. In any conversation it’s possible and appropriate to: • Check/confirm the emotion they are experiencing and the issues/challenges that they are experiencing. • Confirm if some issues are more of a priority than others. For example, you may say: • Sounds like you are going through a lot (summarise the issues) and you are feeling (name the emotion)? Labelling the emotion will help the person to calm down and be able to better focus on problem solving. Problem solving Helping the person to formulate solutions to their concerns is very beneficial. For example, you may say: • What would you most like to address/ improve at the moment? • Have you experienced things like this before? If yes, what did you do? Did you contact any support services? If yes, which ones? Do you think you could try those solutions this time? • What’s important to you? I’ll see if I can help you or I can refer you to services/ resources that can support you. • What would help you to feel better able to manage the situation? Building connections • Is there someone you trust, and you can talk to? If yes, who is this person? • You are not alone, there are many people who can help you and care for you. • What services/supports have you or could you access? (eg, Centrelink, Lifeline, Beyondblue, Suicide Call Back Service, bank for refinance solutions, GP, Relationships Australia, community centre, men’s shed, exercise/diet/sleep/ meditation apps). Restoring hope • This crisis won’t last. You can get through this. • Can you set up a routine to follow each day (something to do/look forward to)? If yes, what will this involve you doing? • Is there something you can do right now or look forward to? • Just one step at a time. Outcome – plan So, based on what we have chatted about: • You will do ..., by ..., and involve ... to support you through the process. • Have I got that right? Follow up and connection 1. I will phone/see you on (time/day/date) to see how you are going. Given these conversations occur as soon as you notice the person is becoming vulnerable, the likelihood of the person’s state of wellbeing deteriorating and RETAIL PHARMACY • OCT 2020