Related Experiment Videos
Dealing with suicide on a psychiatric inpatient unit
Hospital & Community Psychiatry
|January 1, 1983
Summary
Suicide on inpatient psychiatric units deeply impacts staff, potentially leading to maladaptive coping. This study outlines a three-phase recovery framework for staff coping with patient suicide, aiding their emotional growth and equilibrium.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Mental Health
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Patient suicide on inpatient units causes significant trauma for both patients and staff.
- Trauma can lead to maladaptive coping mechanisms in affected individuals.
- Staff recovery is typically gradual but can result in prolonged disability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a framework for understanding staff reactions to patient suicide.
- To provide guidelines for assisting staff through the recovery process after a suicide event.
- To inform ward administrators on facilitating staff group processes.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study involving interviews with 23 staff members.
- Data collected from staff working on an inpatient unit during a period with four patient suicides.
- Analysis of interview data to identify phases of staff reaction and recovery.
Main Results:
- Identified three distinct phases of staff reaction to patient suicide.
- Developed a framework detailing the progression of staff emotional and psychological responses.
- Provided specific recommendations for administrative support during each recovery phase.
Conclusions:
- Ward administrators play a crucial role in facilitating staff recovery post-suicide.
- Structured support is needed during the initial shock, emotional processing, and reintegration phases.
- Effective management can promote emotional growth and help staff regain equilibrium after traumatic events.