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Spiers J, Causer H, Efstathiou N, Chew-Graham CA, Gopfert A, Grayling K, Maben J, van Hove M, Riley R. Negotiating the postvention situation: A grounded theory of NHS staff experiences when supporting their coworkers following a colleague's suicide. DEATH STUDIES 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38198236 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2023.2297056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Suicide is a leading cause of death. NHS workers, especially female nurses, have heightened vulnerability. Being impacted by a colleague's suicide can lead to increased suicidality. Postvention refers to support following a suicide. We investigated current, available postvention for NHS workers following a colleague's suicide and the experiences of staff who deliver it ("supporters"). Twenty-two supporters were interviewed, and data were analyzed using classic grounded theory. The theory of negotiating postvention situations was developed. Supporters must negotiate enabling and disabling elements that form a "postvention situation" and impact behaviors and postvention efficacy. Postvention delivery is emotionally burdensome. Supporters need support, which they do not always receive. Postvention can lead to learning, which can better inform future postvention. The extent to which NHS workers can effectively support colleagues will depend on their postvention situation. As such, work must be done to enable supporters to offer effective postvention in the future.Suicide; postvention; healthcare workers; grounded theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Spiers
- School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Hilary Causer
- School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Nikos Efstathiou
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Anya Gopfert
- Department of Health Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | | | - Jill Maben
- School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Maria van Hove
- Department of Health Life Sciences, The University of Exeter- Saint Lukes Campus, Exeter, UK
| | - Ruth Riley
- School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
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Durif-Bruckert C, Cuvillier B, Vieux M, Chalancon B, Villeval P, Leaune E. Psychiatric trainees as second victims after exposure to patient suicide: a French qualitative study. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1308021. [PMID: 38173704 PMCID: PMC10764017 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1308021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The exposure to patient suicide (PS) has been identified as one of the most frequent and troubling professional experience for psychiatric trainees. Further studies are needed to better understand how residents cope with these experiences and the association between perceived support and the impacts of PS. Method In this qualitative study, we aimed to assess the impact of exposure to PS during psychiatric residency on trainees' professional career and practical experience. A total of 19 French psychiatric residents participated in 4 focus-groups performed between November 2017 and May 2019. Results A total of 4 thematic clusters were identified through a five-step content analysis, namely: (a) reactions to the exposure; (b) coping strategies; (c) professional impact; and (d) prevention and postvention proposals. All participants described the critical impact of the support provided after PS, especially by their senior staff. Those who felt supported by their superior reported less negative impact, both in emotional and professional dimensions. Participants also shared proposals to improve the prevention and postvention issues related to the exposure to PS. Conclusion We performed the first qualitative study based on focus groups on the impact of PS on psychiatric residents, which allowed for an in-depth understanding of the participants' lived experiences of the exposure to PS. The narratives inform the need and means to implement prevention and postvention strategies designed to buffer the negative impact of the exposure to PS in psychiatric trainees.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maxime Vieux
- Center for Suicide Prevention, Centre Hospitalier le Vinatier, Bron, France
- Groupe d’Etude et de Prévention duSuicide, Saint-Benoit, France
| | - Benoit Chalancon
- Center for Suicide Prevention, Centre Hospitalier le Vinatier, Bron, France
- Groupe d’Etude et de Prévention duSuicide, Saint-Benoit, France
| | | | - Edouard Leaune
- Center for Suicide Prevention, Centre Hospitalier le Vinatier, Bron, France
- Groupe d’Etude et de Prévention duSuicide, Saint-Benoit, France
- RESHAPE, Inserm U1290, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
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Stubbe DE. When Prevention Is Not Enough: The Importance of Postvention After Patient Suicide. FOCUS (AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC PUBLISHING) 2023; 21:168-172. [PMID: 37201141 PMCID: PMC10172562 DOI: 10.1176/appi.focus.20230003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy E Stubbe
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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Croft A, Lascelles K, Brand F, Carbonnier A, Gibbons R, Wolfart G, Hawton K. Effects of patient deaths by suicide on clinicians working in mental health: A survey. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2023; 32:245-276. [PMID: 36285548 DOI: 10.1111/inm.13080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
In the UK, at least a quarter of suicides occurs in patients whilst under the care of mental health services. This study investigated the effects of such deaths on non-medical mental health clinicians. An online survey was conducted within a single NHS mental health Trust to elicit both quantitative and qualitative responses from staff across a range of professions. The survey focused on personal and professional impacts and available support. Participants reported significant negative emotional and professional effects that were long-lasting for some. These included mental health difficulties, loss of confidence regarding clinical responsibilities, and actual or contemplated career change. However, there was also some evidence of positive effects and professional growth. Support from colleagues and line managers is clearly important following deaths of patients by suicide. Clinicians' experiences of the support they had received in the workplace were polarized, suggesting that there is no single nor ideal approach that will meet everyone's needs. Participants made recommendations for the types of support that may be helpful. Most commonly, clinicians desired opportunities for focused reflection and support and help with the formal processes following the death. Sensitivity around how clinicians are notified about the death was highlighted as being particularly important. Conclusions are drawn as to how training institutions and employers can help staff to be better prepared for the potential occurrence of patient suicides and the formal processes that follow, with a view to mitigating risks of more serious harm to staff and hence indirectly to patients, and potential loss of highly trained clinicians to the workforce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Croft
- Department of Continuing Education, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Cognitive Therapy Centre, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Karen Lascelles
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
- Centre for Suicide Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Fiona Brand
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
- Centre for Suicide Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | | | - Keith Hawton
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
- Centre for Suicide Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
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Oates A, Gibbons R. After a patient dies by suicide: an illustrative case for trainee psychiatrists and trainers. BJPsych Bull 2022; 46:293-297. [PMID: 34782031 PMCID: PMC9768523 DOI: 10.1192/bjb.2021.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most challenging experiences psychiatrists will face in their careers may well be the death of a patient by suicide. This is likely to happen at least once during a psychiatrist's career, and often more. It can be an intensely complex and painful event with a wide range of emotional responses. Reflecting on the death and accessing good support helps clinicians process the emotional impact. It can also increase their resilience in the longer term by giving them a greater understanding of both their own and their patients' limitations, and in this way strengthen their capacity for compassion as clinicians. Using an illustrative case study, this article provides an insight into the experience of losing a patient to suicide and signposts to sources of support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Oates
- Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Basingstoke, UK
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Causer H, Spiers J, Efstathiou N, Aston S, Chew-Graham CA, Gopfert A, Grayling K, Maben J, van Hove M, Riley R. The Impact of Colleague Suicide and the Current State of Postvention Guidance for Affected Co-Workers: A Critical Integrative Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191811565. [PMID: 36141837 PMCID: PMC9517643 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
People bereaved by suicide are affected psychologically and physically and may be at greater risk of taking their own lives. Whilst researchers have explored the impact of suicide on family members and friends, the area of colleague suicide has been neglected and postvention guidance for supporting surviving colleagues is often poorly developed. This critical integrative review explored the impact of colleague suicide on surviving co-workers and reviewed postvention guidance for workplaces. Systematic searches found 17 articles that met the inclusion criteria. Articles were appraised for quality and extracted data were analysed using a thematic network method. Article quality was moderate. Two global themes were developed: impact of a colleague suicide comprised themes of 'suicide loss in the workplace'; 'professional identities and workplace roles'; 'perceptions of professional uniqueness'; and 'professional abandonment and silencing'. Postvention following a colleague suicide comprised 'individualised responses'; 'the dual function of stigma'; and 'complex pressure on managers'. A unifying global network 'after a colleague suicide' describes the relationships between all themes. A series of disconnects between existing postvention guidance and the needs of impacted workers are discussed. This review demonstrates the need for robust, systemic postvention for colleagues impacted by the complex issue of colleague suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilary Causer
- School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey, Kate Granger Building, 30 Priestly Road, Surrey Research Park, Guildford GU2 7YH, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Johanna Spiers
- School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey, Kate Granger Building, 30 Priestly Road, Surrey Research Park, Guildford GU2 7YH, UK
| | - Nikolaos Efstathiou
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Stephanie Aston
- Samaritans, The Upper Mill, Kingston Road, Ewell, Surrey KT17 2AF, UK
| | | | - Anya Gopfert
- Department of Health and Community Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter EX4 4PY, UK
| | | | - Jill Maben
- School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey, Kate Granger Building, 30 Priestly Road, Surrey Research Park, Guildford GU2 7YH, UK
| | | | - Ruth Riley
- School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey, Kate Granger Building, 30 Priestly Road, Surrey Research Park, Guildford GU2 7YH, UK
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Knipe D, Padmanathan P, Newton-Howes G, Chan LF, Kapur N. Suicide and self-harm. Lancet 2022; 399:1903-1916. [PMID: 35512727 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(22)00173-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Suicide and self-harm are major health and societal issues worldwide, but the greatest burden of both behaviours occurs in low-income and middle-income countries. Although rates of suicide are higher in male than in female individuals, self-harm is more common in female individuals. Rather than having a single cause, suicide and self-harm are the result of a complex interplay of several factors that occur throughout the life course, and vary by gender, age, ethnicity, and geography. Several clinical and public health interventions show promise, although our understanding of their effectiveness has largely originated from high-income countries. Attempting to predict suicide is unlikely to be helpful. Intervention and prevention must include both a clinical and community focus, and every health professional has a crucial part to play.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duleeka Knipe
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Kandy, Sri Lanka.
| | - Prianka Padmanathan
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Lai Fong Chan
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nav Kapur
- Centre for Mental Health and Safety, University of Manchester, Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK; National Institute for Health Research Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, University of Manchester, Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK; Greater Manchester Mental Health National Health Service Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
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Leaune E, Allali R, Rotgé JY, Simon L, Vieux M, Fossati P, Gaillard R, Gourion D, Masson M, Olié E, Vaiva G. Prevalence and impact of patient suicide in psychiatrists: Results from a national French web-based survey. Encephale 2021; 47:507-513. [PMID: 33814167 DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2020.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient suicide (PS) is known to be a frequent and challenging occupational hazard for mental health professionals. No study previously explored the prevalence and impact of PS in a large sample of French psychiatrists. METHOD A national web-based survey was performed between September and December 2019 to assess (a) the prevalence of the exposure to PS, (b) the emotional, traumatic and professional impacts of PS, and (c) the perceived support in the aftermath of PS in French psychiatrists. Participants were contacted through email to answer the online 62-item questionnaire, including a measure of traumatic impact through the Impact of Event Scale-Revised. Emotional and professional impacts and perceived support were assessed through dedicated items. RESULTS A total of 764 psychiatrists fully completed the survey. Of them, 87.3% reported an exposure to PS and 13.7% reported PTSD symptoms afterward. Guilt, sadness and shock were the most frequent emotions. Among the exposed psychiatrists, 15.1% have temporarily considered changing their career path. The most emotionally distressing PS occurred during their ten first years of practice or during residency. A total of 37.1% of respondents felt unsupported and 50.4% reported that no team meeting had been organized in the aftermath. The feeling of responsibility for the death was strongly associated with negative impacts. CONCLUSION Our results entail considerations to prevent negative mental health outcomes in psychiatrists after PS. Notably, our results advocate for the implementation of educational programs during psychiatric residency and postvention programs in healthcare settings to effectively help psychiatrists in dealing with PS.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Leaune
- Centre Hospitalier le Vinatier, Bron, France; INSERM, U1028, CNRS, UMR5292, Lyon Neuroscience Research Center, Psychiatric Disorders: from Resistance to Response - PSYR2 Team, 69000 Lyon, France.
| | - R Allali
- CHU Paris Seine-Saint-Denis, Hôpital Avicenne, Bobigny, France
| | - J-Y Rotgé
- AP-HP, Service de Psychiatrie d'Adultes, AP-HP-Sorbonne, Paris, France; Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, ICM-A-IHU, "Control-Interoception - Attention", Paris, France
| | - L Simon
- Centre Hospitalier le Vinatier, Bron, France
| | - M Vieux
- Centre Hospitalier le Vinatier, Bron, France
| | - P Fossati
- AP-HP, Service de Psychiatrie d'Adultes, AP-HP-Sorbonne, Paris, France; Inserm U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, ICM-A-IHU, "Control-Interoception - Attention", Paris, France
| | - R Gaillard
- Université de Paris, GHU Psychiatrie et neurosciences, Paris, France
| | - D Gourion
- Paris, France; HEC Paris, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - M Masson
- Nightingale Hospitals-Paris, Clinique du Château de Garches, Garches, France; SHU, GHU Psychiatrie et neurosciences, Paris, France
| | - E Olié
- Departement of Emergency Psychiatry and Acute Care, Lapeyronie Hospital, PSNREC, Université Montpellier, INSERM, CHU de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - G Vaiva
- Université Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition (LilNCog), 59000 Lille, France; Centre National de Ressources & Résilience pour les psychotraumatismes (Cn2r Lille Paris), 59000 Lille, France
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