Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine Stanford University
Disclosure(s):
Keri O. Brenner, MD: No financial relationships to disclose
Suicidality is a critical yet underrecognized concern in hospice and palliative care, particularly among high-risk and underserved populations such as veterans and those affected by structural inequities. This session presents a practical, psychologically informed framework for assessing and addressing suicidality in the context of serious illness. Through case-based learning, participants will explore core constructs—including ambivalence, demoralization, and countertransference—and acquire tools to enhance therapeutic presence and interprofessional collaboration. Designed for interdisciplinary HPM clinicians, this Deep Dive fosters clinical insight, reflective practice, and patient-centered, evidence-based care.
Learning Objectives:
Engage in a multidimensional assessment of suicidality in patients with serious illness, including risk factors, protective factors, and key psychological constructs, such as ambivalence, loss of identity, and demoralization.
Cultivate therapeutic presence by applying practical tools and therapeutic response techniques to support patients experiencing suicidality and related psychological and existential distress.
Examine personal and systemic strategies to address the emotional and professional impact of patient suicidality on clinicians.
