Non-Qualified Staff's Experience of Suicidal Behaviour in Adult Mental Health Inpatient Services

Shinton, Rebecca and LEDWITH, Susan (2023) Non-Qualified Staff's Experience of Suicidal Behaviour in Adult Mental Health Inpatient Services. OMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying. ISSN 1541-3764

Text Shinton & Ledwith Manuscript after minor amendments.docx - AUTHOR'S ACCEPTED Version (default) Available under License All Rights Reserved. Download (56kB)

Abstract or description

Suicide and attempted suicide of people receiving care in Adult Mental Health Inpatient Services (AMHIS) leads to significant emotions amongst mental health professionals, characterised by guilt and shame. A sense of responsibility occurs due to hospital being seen as a safe place. However, little is known about what it is like for ‘non-qualified’ staff. This study explored experiences of suicide and attempted suicide on ‘non-qualified’ staff in AMHIS. Semi-structured interviews explored ten staff’s experiences. Participants were recruited online and transcripts were analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. Four themes were identified; ‘Direct personal impact’, ‘Unrealistic expectations’, ‘Attempting to contain the impact’ and ‘Acclimatisation’. Ten sub-themes outlined; responsibility for assessing risk, shame and protective strategies to aid acceptance. The results provide insight into the unique experience of non-qualified staff in AMHIS experiencing suicidal behaviour.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	“This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by SAGE Publicationns in OMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying on 3 November 2023 available at: https://doi.org/10.1177/00302228231212649"
Uncontrolled Keywords:	suicide; suicidal behaviour; staff wellbeing; professional grief; grief
Faculty:	School of Life Sciences and Education > Psychology and Counselling
Depositing User:	Yvonne MELIA
Date Deposited:	18 Mar 2024 14:51
Last Modified:	18 Mar 2024 14:51
URI:	https://eprints.staffs.ac.uk/id/eprint/8161

Actions (login required)

View Item