Search results

1 – 10 of over 2000
Article
Publication date: 14 September 2015

Alida Gulfi, Jean-Luc Heeb, Dolores Angela Castelli Dransart and Elisabeth Gutjahr

The purpose of this paper is to analyze and describe the profiles of mental health professionals and their relationship to professional reactions and changes in working practice…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze and describe the profiles of mental health professionals and their relationship to professional reactions and changes in working practice following a patient suicide.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 713 mental health professionals working in various institutional settings and in private practice in French-speaking Switzerland were collected by written questionnaires.

Findings

Four distinct profiles with low to moderate professional reactions and changes in working practice were identified by cluster analysis. The type and intensity of relationship between professional and patient, and psychological and/or social support following the patient suicide were the most discriminant factors of the four profiles.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to the understanding of professional consequences of patient suicide on mental health professionals.

Details

The Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice, vol. 10 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-6228

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 March 2022

Nicola Evans, Deborah Edwards and Phill Chick

The purpose of this mixed methods rapid study was to identify the barriers and facilitators to implement relational and environmental risk management approaches to manage…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this mixed methods rapid study was to identify the barriers and facilitators to implement relational and environmental risk management approaches to manage suicidality in inpatient services.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve this within a short timeframe, a rapid review approach was chosen. Both research (qualitative and quantitative studies) and non-research material (policies, guidance and reports) were retrieved. The review was conducted across five databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, EMCARE, PsycINFO and CINAHL for English language citations within the last ten years (2009 –2019).

Findings

A total of 17 primary research papers and a further 73 reviews and grey literature were included. There was evidence that the removal of anti-ligature equipment, by which regular checks of the environment to identify and remove ligature points and increased levels of observation are carried out well, reduces suicide in hospital.

Research limitations/implications

There is a gap in research investigating “engagement activities” eliciting exactly what they are and determining how they might be effective. There is a need for new innovative ways for managing risk of suicide in hospitals that bring together meaningful engagement and maintaining safety.

Originality/value

Keeping people safe during an inpatient stay in a mental health service is a core function of mental health practitioners. This paper brings together what is already known about risk management and highlights areas for further investigation.

Details

The Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice, vol. 17 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-6228

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 July 2015

David A Jobes and Maureen Elizabeth Bowers

The purpose of this paper is to fully consider the potential changes in clinical suicide prevention that may evolve after the passing of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to fully consider the potential changes in clinical suicide prevention that may evolve after the passing of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). The authors argue that it is wise to anticipate demand for suicide-specific evidence-based treatments (EBTs) moving forward. The authors outline current best practices in clinical suicide prevention, and describe the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) as an example of how a suicide-focussed EBT can adapt to some predicted changes.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper first presents an overview of the main effects of ACA within the behavioral health care (BHC) system. Next, the authors review contemporary approaches to the treatment of suicidal patients, as well as current treatment limitations. The authors present CAMS as a model of a suicide-focussed EBT that holds promise for use in the post-ACA era. To close, the authors discuss anticipated changes in suicide treatment and illustrate that CAMS is adaptable to these changes.

Findings

ACA mandates several changes: implementation of EBTs, better preventative care, integrated treatment models, and improved healthcare administration. A central effect of ACA in BHC is the increased use of EBTs. Therefore effective EBTs for suicide prevention are described.

Originality/value

Anticipating how ACA will affect clinical suicide prevention is necessary, as it is historically a very challenging area of treatment within BHC and a significant public health concern. This paper highlights the importance of the use suicide-specific EBTs.

Details

Journal of Aggression, Conflict and Peace Research, vol. 7 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-6599

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 1 September 2013

Kairi Kolves, Urska Arnautovska, Angelo De Gioannis and Diego De Leo

Assistance to suicidal patients is problematic both at the hospital and community care level. Inadequacy of facilities, pressured personnel, long waiting time, and professional…

Abstract

Assistance to suicidal patients is problematic both at the hospital and community care level. Inadequacy of facilities, pressured personnel, long waiting time, and professional and social stigmatization are just some of the many issues that interfere with successful treatment. The goal of this paper is to present the functioning of the Life Promotion Clinic (LPC), Australia, and describe its users. The LPC is the first specialized outpatient service in Australia dedicated to the treatment of individuals with suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A description of the service and characteristics of its clients (demographic, psychopathology, risk of suicide) are herein presented. Data were collected for 63 male and 175 female patients who attended the LPC over a three-year period. Patients were mostly single females, aged up to 44 years, poorly educated, unemployed or on a pension/benefit. The majority of patients reported at least one suicide attempt, severe depression and anxiety scores, moderate-severe feelings of hopelessness, and high impulsiveness scores. Compared to females, male patients presented with more active desire to kill themselves and higher level of suicidal ideation. We can conclude that establishing a specialist service for treatment of individuals at increased risk for suicide requires consideration of both patient and clinicians needs. The LPC presents an innovative model of community service, capable of engaging patients with serious mental health issues, while making the service accessible to people from various social categories.

Details

Mental Illness, vol. 5 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2036-7465

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Mental Health Review Journal, vol. 11 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1361-9322

Article
Publication date: 28 January 2020

Allison N. Ponce, Rebecca Miller, Milania D. Al-Jammaly, Edwin F. Renaud, Margaret A. Bailey, Susan Devine and Lindsay Oberleitner

This paper aims to describe a performance improvement process related to suicide assessment in a community mental health center. As suicide rates rise in the USA, it is crucial…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to describe a performance improvement process related to suicide assessment in a community mental health center. As suicide rates rise in the USA, it is crucial that community mental health providers are capable and comfortable to assess for suicide risk among individuals with mental illness. Support for healthcare providers is emphasized in the quadruple aim model of enhancing healthcare delivery and patient experience. The quadruple aim model is applied in the present performance improvement project in a community mental health center.

Design/methodology/approach

An interprofessional team used provider survey responses, critical incident data and other stakeholder input to implement a new assessment mechanism and education plan to support direct care staff to address suicide risk.

Findings

Although the rate of patient death by suicide at the community mental health center is low, managing risk is a frequent provider concern. Providers’ comfort assessing and managing suicide risk varied widely based on survey responses. A structured suicide assessment process was implemented to offer clarity and direction for providers. Education to address assessment and management was designed and implemented.

Research limitations/implications

Suicide data were retrospective and limited to known deaths, thus there may have been higher numbers of deaths by suicide historically. Providers’ comfort with suicide risk management was based on self-report and future work should also integrate skills-based assessment.

Originality/value

Improving the provider experience in mental health care must be explored. Focusing on provider input and voice in suicide-related efforts in community settings is a step toward integrating the quadruple aim ideals into mental health care.

Details

Journal of Public Mental Health, vol. 19 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5729

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 June 2013

Louise Phillips, Stephanie Tannis‐Ellick and Betsy Scott

Observations have been made that mental health students receive very little support following observing patients displaying suicidal behaviour. The purpose of this paper is to…

Abstract

Purpose

Observations have been made that mental health students receive very little support following observing patients displaying suicidal behaviour. The purpose of this paper is to conduct a small‐scale empirical study to investigate this issue further.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach used in this study is phenomenological. Qualitative data were obtained through semi‐structured interviews consisting of a range of questions asking mental health student nurses about their experiences of support in practice. The data are analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

As well as issues relating to the support of mental health student nurses in practice, there are many ethical issues raised in this paper. These include student responsibilities while in placement areas; students as having a supernumerary status; and the inclusion of students in supervision and debriefing sessions following traumatic incidents.

Research limitations/implications

This small‐scale exploratory study was conducted with a small number of students in one University. However, the study provides a strong starting point for further research on the support students receive during their mental health nurse training.

Originality/value

This paper makes some recommendations on ways to improve the support of students in practice, including maintaining and supporting the role of Practice Experience Managers who spend a considerable amount of time in placement areas interacting with students and feeding back relevant practice concerns to University staff.

Details

The Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice, vol. 8 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-6228

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 April 2021

Vivienne de Vogel and Nienke Verstegen

Incidents of self-injury by forensic psychiatric patients often have a deleterious impact on all those involved. Moreover, self-injurious behaviour is an important predictor for…

Abstract

Purpose

Incidents of self-injury by forensic psychiatric patients often have a deleterious impact on all those involved. Moreover, self-injurious behaviour is an important predictor for violence towards others during treatment. The aim of this study is to analyse methods and severity of incidents of self-injury of patients admitted to forensic psychiatry, as well as the diagnoses of self-injuring patients.

Design/methodology/approach

All incidents of self-injury during treatment in a forensic psychiatric centre recorded between 2008 and 2019 were analysed and the severity was coded with the modified observed aggression scale+ (MOAS+).

Findings

In this period, 299 incidents of self-injury were recorded, displayed by 106 patients. Most of these incidents (87.6%) were classified as non-suicidal. Methods most often used were skin cutting with glass, broken plates, a razor or knife and swallowing dangerous objects or liquids. Ten patients died by suicide, almost all by suffocation with a rope or belt. The majority of the incidents was coded as severe or extreme with the MOAS+. Female patients were overrepresented and they caused on average three times more incidents than male patients.

Practical implications

More attention is warranted for self-injurious behaviour during forensic treatment considering the distressing consequences for both patients themselves, supervisors and witnesses. Adequate screening for risk of self-injurious behaviour could help to prevent this behaviour. Further research is needed in different forensic settings into predictors of self-injurious behaviour, more specifically, if there are distinct predictors for aggression to others versus to the self.

Originality/value

Incidents of self-injury occur with some regularity in forensic mental health care and are usually classified as severe. The impact of suicide (attempts) and incidents of self-injurious behaviour on all those involved can be enormous. More research is needed into the impact on all those involved, motivations, precipitants and functions of self-injurious behaviour and effective treatment of it.

Details

The Journal of Forensic Practice, vol. 23 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-8794

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 26 July 2012

Jerneja Sveticic and Diego De Leo

The idea of a progression in suicide phenomena, from death wishes to suicide attempts and completed suicides, is quite old and widely present in literature. This model of…

Abstract

The idea of a progression in suicide phenomena, from death wishes to suicide attempts and completed suicides, is quite old and widely present in literature. This model of interpreting suicidality has great relevance in preventative approaches, since it gives the opportunity of intercepting suicidal trajectories at several different stages. However, this may not be the case for many situations, and the hypothesis of a continuum can be true only in a limited number of cases, probably embedded with a specific psychopathological scenario (e.g. depression) and with a frequency that should not permit generalisations. This paper reviews the available evidence about the existence and validity of this construct, and discusses its practical implications.

Details

Mental Illness, vol. 4 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2036-7465

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 November 2009

Adrian Bonner and Claire Luscombe

Suicide behaviour rates vary significantly between countries due to a range of cultural, behavioural and health‐related factors. Gender and age‐related factors also appear to be…

Abstract

Suicide behaviour rates vary significantly between countries due to a range of cultural, behavioural and health‐related factors. Gender and age‐related factors also appear to be impor tant key determinants of vulnerability to suicide ideation and suicide completion. The homeless population is par ticularly at risk, due to multiple complex issues that relate to social exclusion, alcohol, drug, mental health and nutritional issues. Studying homeless people is problematic due to access, the transitory nature of their contact with statutary services, problems of self‐repor t and recall in people ‐ some of whom have mental health and cognitive issues. There is an increasing interest from practitioners and academic researchers in spiritual factors that appear to modulate the responses of an individual to the internal and external threats that underlie the motivation to end his or her life. Effective approaches to suicide prevention and crisis management require a good understanding of the interplay between this complex set of biological, psychological and social domains. These will be explored in the final section of this review. This paper, therefore, aims to provide a non‐systematic review of the existing literature published in academic journals and relvant ‘grey literature’ and focuses on themes in the literature that will hopefully inform both policy and practice.

Details

Journal of Public Mental Health, vol. 8 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5729

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 2000