Impact of Patient Suicide on Front-Line Staff in Ireland

Abstract

Research and anecdotal evidence suggests that coming to terms with the suicide of a patient can be extremely distressing for front-line professionals. Some research also suggests that exposure to such situations can undermine professionals' functioning and feelings of competence, cause them to question their professional standing and ultimately contribute to burnout. A survey of 447 front-line professionals' experiences of patient suicide was undertaken to further explore these issues. Thematic analysis of open-ended questionnaire items revealed that concerns for the bereaved family, feelings of responsibility for the death and having a close therapeutic relationship with the client are key factors that influence the adjustment and coping of a health professional in the aftermath of the death of a client by suicide. The results are discussed with a focus on the impact of suicide on front-line staff, the need for ongoing support and training and the development of specific post-suicide protocols.

We wish to acknowledge the assistance received from the National Suicide Review Group and the Health Promotion Department of the North Eastern Health Board. The Research Team wishes to say a special thank you to all our colleagues who participated in this research, without whose generosity and honesty this work would not have been possible.