Perceived competence and attitudes towards patients with suicidal behaviour: a survey of general practitioners, psychiatrists and internists

Abstract

BackgroundCompetence and attitudes to suicidal behaviour among physicians are important to provide high-quality care for a large patient group. The aim was to study different physicians’ attitudes towards suicidal behaviour and their perceived competence to care for suicidal patients.MethodsA random selection (n = 750) of all registered General Practitioners, Psychiatrists and Internists in Norway received a questionnaire. The response rate was 40%. The Understanding of Suicidal Patients Scale (USP; scores < 23 = positive attitude) and items about suicide in case of incurable illness from the Attitudes Towards Suicide Questionnaire were used. Five-point Likert scales were used to measure self-perceived competence, level of commitment, empathy and irritation felt towards patients with somatic and psychiatric diagnoses. Questions about training were included.ResultsThe physicians held positive attitudes towards suicide attempters (USP = 20.3, 95% CI: 19.6–20.9). Internists and males were significantly less positive. There were no significant differences in the physicians in their attitudes toward suicide in case of incurable illness according to specialty. The physicians were most irritated and less committed to substance misuse patients. Self perceived competence was relatively high. Forty-three percent had participated in courses about suicide assessment and treatment.ConclusionsThe physicians reported positive attitudes and relatively high competence. They were least committed to treat patients with substance misuse. None of the professional groups thought that patients with incurable illness should be given help to commit suicide.Further customized education with focus on substance misuse might be useful.

Psychologists’ Willingness to Provide Services to Individuals at Risk of Suicide

“…Practitioners generally reported positive attitudes toward individuals experiencing suicidality, with very few clinicians expressing endorsement of beliefs that could be characterized as stigmatizing (e.g., that suicidal individuals are weak). These findings are consistent with previous research that suggests stigma may not be a substantial factor in deciding to provide care (Grimholt, Haavet, Jacobsen, Sandvik, & Ekeberg, ).…”

Caring stress, suicidal attitude and suicide care ability among family caregivers of suicidal individuals: a path analysis

“…, Grimholt et al . ). However, no study has explored family caregivers' attitudes towards suicidal individuals.…”

“…This study demonstrated that the scores of family caregivers' SAS and SCAS were highly correlated. Studies have investigated various health professionals' attitudes towards suicide (Chan et al 2009, Grimholt et al 2014). However, no study has explored family caregivers' attitudes towards suicidal individuals.…”

Atitudes de profissionais da saúde em relação ao comportamento suicida

“…As atitudes dos profissionais de saúde diante de pessoas com comportamento suicida têm sido estudadas por diferentes pesquisadores em diversos países. Atitudes negativas e o modo como o profissional aborda o paciente podem influenciar a forma como a pessoa responderá ao cuidado oferecido [16][17][18]25,27,28 . No presente estudo, verificaram-se atitudes mais positivas em relação ao suicídio entre médicos e enfermeiros do que entre os agentes comunitários de saúde e técnicos de enfermagem, especificamente nos fatores "Sentimento" e "Capacidade Profissional" da escala utilizada.…”