Suicidal risk screening: Oncology nurses' barriers and leverages.

Area of Science:

• Oncology Nursing
• Mental Health Support
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Cancer patients face elevated suicide risk, necessitating early screening and supportive care.
• Oncology nurses are key resources but often report lacking skills and confidence in managing suicidal patients.
• Limited data exists on French oncology nurses' practices regarding suicide risk screening.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore barriers and facilitators influencing oncology nurses' screening of suicidal risk in adult cancer patients within a French cancer center.
• To identify specific organizational, cognitive, and training needs related to suicide risk assessment.

Main Methods:

• A focus group involving 11 oncology nurses was conducted.
• Thematic analysis using an inductive approach was applied to explore current practices, barriers, facilitators, and training needs.

Main Results:

• Nurses do not systematically screen for suicidal risk.
• Key barriers identified include organizational issues, cognitive factors, and psychological protection mechanisms.
• Facilitators include organizational support, targeted training, therapeutic alliance, and reinforcing fundamental nursing principles.

Conclusions:

• Lack of systematic screening stems from factors like perceived patient autonomy, time constraints, and insufficient knowledge.
• Organizational hierarchy can hinder nurses' input.
• Training content must address identified barriers, especially emotional aspects, to improve suicide risk management.