Affiliation:
1. Thesis Submitted to Staffordshire University in Partial Fulfilment of the Professional Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, Stoke-on-Trent, UK
Abstract
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.
Subject
Life-span and Life-course Studies,Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine,Health (social science)