Citation

Awenat Y, Peters S, Shaw-Nunez E, Gooding P, Pratt D, Haddock G. Br. J. Psychiatry 2017; 211(2): 103-108.

Affiliation

Yvonne Awenat, MPhil, Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences and Centre for New Treatments and Understanding in Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester and Manchester Mental Health and Social Care NHS Trust, Manchester; Sarah Peters, PhD, Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences and University of Manchester, Manchester; Emma Shaw-Nunez, MRes, Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester and Manchester Mental Health and Social Care NHS Trust, Manchester; Patricia Gooding, PhD, Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences and Centre for New Treatments and Understanding in Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester and Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester; Daniel Pratt, ClinPsyD, Gillian Haddock, PhD, Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences and Centre for New Treatments and Understanding in Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester and Manchester Mental Health and Social Care NHS Trust, Manchester, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Royal College of Psychiatry)

DOI

10.1192/bjp.bp.116.191817

PMID

28642259

Abstract

BackgroundSuicidal behaviour is frequent in psychiatric in-patients and much staff time and resources are devoted to assessing and managing suicide risk. However, little is known about staff experiences of working with in-patients who are suicidal.AimsTo investigate staff experiences of working with in-patients who are suicidal.

METHODQualitative study guided by thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with mental health staff with experience of psychiatric in-patient care.

RESULTSTwenty staff participated. All had encountered in-patient suicide deaths or attempts. Three key themes were identified: (a) experiences of suicidality, (b) conceptualising suicidality and (c) talking about suicide.

CONCLUSIONSSuicidal behaviour in psychiatric wards has a large impact on staff feelings, practice and behaviour. Staff felt inadequately equipped to deal with such behaviours, with detrimental consequences for patients and themselves. Organisational support is lacking. Training and support should extend beyond risk assessment to improving staff skills in developing therapeutic interactions with in-patients who are suicidal.

© The Royal College of Psychiatrists 2017.

Language: en