The score is calculated from 10 yes/no questions, with one point for each affirmative answer execept where indicated as 2 points:
P: Previous attempt
E: Excess alcohol or substance use
R: Rational thinking loss eg. psychosis or organic disease (2 points)
S: Single (eg. divorced or widowed)
O: Organized plan or serious attempt (2 points)
N: No social supports
S: Stated future attempt (2 points)
This score is then mapped onto a risk assessment scale as follows:
0–5: May be safe to discharge (depending upon circumstances)
6-8: Probably requires psychiatric consultation
>8: Probably requires hospital admission