Abstract
Objective To identify the effect of patients' suicide on consultant psychiatrists in Scotland,
Design Confidential coded postal questionnaire sun ev.
Participants Of 315 eligible consultant psychiatrists, 247 (78%) contributed.
Setting Scotland,
Main outcome measures Experience of patient suicide; the features and impact of "most distressing" suicide and what helped them to deal with it.
Results 167 (68%) consultants had had a patient commit suicide under their care. Fifty four (33%) reported being affected personally in terms of low mood, poor sleep, or irritability. Changes in professional practice were described by 69 (42%) of the psychiatrists-for example, a more structured approach to the management of patients at risk and increased use of mental health legislation, Twenty four (15%) doctors considered taking early retirement because of a patient's suicide. Colleagues and family or friends were the best sources of help, and team and critical incident reviews were also useful.
Conclusions Suicide by patients has a substantial emotional and professional effect on consultant psychiatrists. Support from colleagues is helpful, and professional reviews provide opportunities for learning and improved management of suicide and its aftermath.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1571-1574 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | British Medical Journal |
Volume | 320 |
Publication status | Published - 2000 |
Keywords
- STRESS
- INPATIENT
- IMPACT