Abstract
ABSTRACT Aim This study explores mental health personnel’s experiences in the encounter with family members of patients at risk of suicide so as to develop a deeper understanding of the content of caring. Methodology Data were collected using semi-structured interviews with 12 participants and were analysed and interpreted using a model inspired by the philosophical hermeneutics of Gadamer. The context was psychiatric wards. Findings Through a thematic analysis, four themes emerged: Acknowledgement as a premise for involving family members. Embracing with the family members’ feelings and reactions. Strengthening hope in a situation entailing a serious risk of suicide. Providing reassurance to family members in transitional situations. Conclusion Witnessing the family members’ suffering and needs is understood as arousing a sense of responsibility in the participants and triggering various care strategies such as listening, embracing, strengthening hope and providing reassurance.
Highlights
Every year, some 800,000 people die by suicide, and families, friends, schoolmates, colleagues and commu nities are left bereaved and often without assistance (WHO, World Health Organization, 2018)
Strengthening hope in a situation entailing a serious risk of suicide
A high proportion of patients admitted to the acute psychiatric ward have contemplated or attempted suicide, and assessment of suicide risk is a key task in such wards (Mellesdal et al, 2010)
Summary
Some 800,000 people die by suicide, and families, friends, schoolmates, colleagues and commu nities are left bereaved and often without assistance (WHO, World Health Organization, 2018). In Norway, where this study was done, 671 people died by sui cide in 2018, similar to figures in Europe, North America and Australia (NIPH, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 2020). Figures from the corona year 2020 showed 639 deaths in Norway by suicide and self-harm (NIPH, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, 2021). Health personnel who work as milieu therapists provide 24-hour care for suicidal patients and are primary contacts for patients in collaboration with psychiatrists and psychologists. The topic of this study is health professionals’ experiences from encounters with family members of patients at risk of suicide, in the context of Norwegian psychiatric wards
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