TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2021//
TI  - Lethal means counseling for suicidal adults in the emergency department: a qualitative study
JO  - Western journal of emergency medicine
A1  - Siry, Bonnie J.
A1  - Knoepke, Christopher E.
A1  - Ernestus, Stephanie M.
A1  - Matlock, Daniel D.
A1  - Betz, Marian E.
SP  - 471
EP  - 477
VL  - 22
IS  - 3
N2  - INTRODUCTION: Lethal means counseling (to reduce access to firearms or other suicide methods) is a recommended critical yet challenging component of care of suicidal patients. Questions remain about communication strategies for those in acute crisis. <br><br>METHODS: This qualitative study was an analysis of semi-structured interviews with English-speaking, community-dwelling adults with a history of lived-experience of suicidal ideation or attempts in themselves or a family member. We used a mixed inductive and deductive approach to identify descriptive themes related to communication and decision-making. <br><br>RESULTS: Among 27 participants, 14 (52%) had personal and 23 (85%) had family experience with suicide ideation or attempts. Emergent themes fell into two domains: (1) communication in a state of high emotionality; and (2) specific challenges in communication: initiating, maintaining engagement, considering context. <br><br>CONCLUSION: Engaging suicidal individuals in lethal means counseling may be more effective when messaging and approaches consider their emotional state and communication challenges.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1936-900X
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.5811/westjem.2021.8.49485
ID  - ref1
ER  -