The failure of suicide prevention in primary care: family and GP perspectives - a qualitative study

摘要

Background: although Primary Care is crucial for suicide prevention, clinicians tend to report completed suicides in their care as non-preventable. Aims: to examine systemic inadequacies in suicide prevention from the perspectives of bereaved family members and GPs.Design: Qualitative study of 72 relatives or close friends bereaved by suicide and 19 General practitioners who have experienced the suicide of patients.Findings: relatives highlight failures in detecting symptoms and behavioural changes and int he inability of GPs to understand the needs of patients and their social contexts. A perceived over-reliance of anti-depressant treatment is a major source of criticism by family members. GPs tend to lack confidence in the recognition and management of suicidal patients and report structural inadequacies of service provision. Conclusions: Mental health and primary care services must find innovative and ethical ways to involve families in the decision-making process for patients at risk of suicide.