During a structured interview, which action should clinicians take?

During a structured interview, it is essential for clinicians to directly elicit the presence of suicidal ideation because identifying suicidal thoughts or plans is critical for assessing the risk of suicide. This step allows clinicians to gauge the severity of the patient's mental state and provides necessary information for formulating an appropriate treatment plan.

Addressing suicidal ideation directly helps to establish a rapport with the patient, encouraging openness about their feelings and experiences. It demonstrates to the patient that their safety and well-being are of paramount concern. By focusing on suicidal thoughts, the clinician can explore the context and frequency of these thoughts, which are crucial indicators of immediate risk.

While discussing daily activities, work history, or sharing personal experiences can be relevant in building rapport or understanding a patient's overall context, they do not specifically target the urgent need to assess suicidal risk. Engaging in these general discussions may distract from the primary objective of timely and sensitive risk assessment.