Patient suicide: The experience of Portuguese doctors and psychologists | Suicídio de um paciente: a experiência de médicos e psicólogos portugueses

Abstract

Objective To describe the impact of a patient suicide on Portuguese health professionals (psychologists, psychiatrists and general physicians). Method A self-report questionnaire, which assessed the characteristics, experience and impact of a patient suicide, was used. Results 242 health professionals filled the questionnaire and 64 professionals had been confronted with at least one patient suicide. Emotional suffering (47%), concerns, doubts and fear (35%), frustration (28%) and shock and surprise (23%) were the most common feelings reported by health professionals. Increased attention, vigilance and accuracy in assessment and intervention were the most frequent reaction after the patient suicide (80%). Increased insecurity and anxiety were also reported (28%). Colleagues, contact with patient's family and case review were the sources of help more frequently used, and supervisor, team case review and colleagues were rated as the most useful. There were no differences according to gender, age or professional group in the experience of this event. Conclusion The results show that the suicide of a patient has a considerable professional and emotional impact. However, this difficult event can also be an opportunity for learning and professional growth leading to positive and adequate changes in clinical practice with regard to the management of suicide risk and its aftermath. (c) 2012 Escola Nacional de Sade Pblica. Publicado por Elsevier.