The management of the suicidal patient in a critical care unit

Abstract

While much has been written on psychological problems of patients in critical care settings, little has been written on the patient whose serious condition is the consequence of a deliberate and serious attempt to end life. The suicidal patient in critical care presents a special challenge to the critical care nurse. In responding to a suicidal patient the critical care nurse demonstrates technological expertise in life-saving intervention. The nurse is also in a position to provide a positive psychological bridge of hope for the future. This paper addresses the care of the suicide attempter in the critical care unit by first considering prevalent societal attitudes toward suicidal behaviour. Secondly, attitudes which may affect comprehensive care for the suicidal patient in critical care are discussed and the scope of the problem of suicide delineated. Finally strategies for providing crisis intervention for the suicide attempter in the critical care unit are outlined.