The Risk of Inpatient Suicide
1,500 suicides take place in inpatient hospital units in the United States each year. Seventy-five percent of these deaths are due to hanging, using some anchor point within the patient's environment. When the type of anchor point is specified in the data, it is most likely to be a door or door hardware, or a wardrobe cabinet.
The Soft Suicide Prevention Door (SSPD) eliminates door anchor points while contributing to the healing environment by providing calming artwork for patients. This door weights five pounds and is lightweight, durable, shred-proof, non-flammable and easy to clean. Doors are available in standard sizes, or can be manufactured for a custom fit to any specification. Large format printing enables customization of the door to enhance the healing environment. Choose one of our designs, or provide your own.
SSPD is featured in the "Design Guide for the Built environment of Behavioral Health Units" published on the website of the National Associate of Psychiatric Health Systems, and won the 2009 Design Award from the National Center for Patient Safety - SSPD installs easily into existing door frames or shower stalls. To ensure a proper fit, measure the width of the existing door to be replaced when ordering SSPD.
- SSPD swings out when entering a room. A hinge can be placed on either the right or left side of the door. When ordering, please indicate whether you would prefer a left or right hinge. To determine the side of the hinge, stand with your back toward the door frame. A right hinge corresponds with your right hand, a left hinge with your left hand.
- Durable velcro strapping withstands continual use, and provides a private closure for the patient.
- The strapping breaks away with the application of vertical pressure
- SSPD can also be useful to staff as a soft safety shield
Images - When we printed a soft calming image onto the vinyl and installed the door patients started asking when they would be getting their picture. The notion that these patients were actually looking forward to the art was a very positive sign.
While there is no clinical data on the impact that the art has on the patient, we know they are welcomed by the patients. We believe in the value to the patient so they are included with the door at no extra charge.
Choose to have an image printed on one or both sides of the SSPD. Additional images are available upon request, or provide your own high resolution image.
Beach Chairs
Mountain stream Mountain Flowers
SSPD Doors and Privacy Partitions in These Solid Colors
Soft Suicide Prevention Door
2009 Design Award from the National Center for Patient Safety
US Patent 20090293364
licensed for production and distribution from the Veterans Administration Hospital by Kennon Products, Inc
Kennon Free-Standing Privacy Partition
Eliminate problematic privacy curtains without eliminating patient privacy.
Kennon's Free-Standing Privacy Partition is constructed from foam and covered with an antimicrobial covering material. It is light-weight
and safe.
Kennon Products, Inc.
Sheridan, WY
Phone 307.674.6498
Toll Free 800.356.0809
sales@suicideproofing.com
