Bellairs-Walsh, India and Byrne, Sadhbh J. and Bendall, Sarah and Perry, Yael and Krysinska, Karolina and Lin, Ashleigh and Michail, Maria and Lamblin, Michelle and Li, Tina Yutong and Hetrick, Sarah and Robinson, Jo
(2021)
Working with Young People at Risk of Suicidal Behaviour and Self-Harm: A Qualitative Study of Australian General Practitioners’ Perspectives.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18 (12926).
pp. 1-19.
ISSN 1660-4601
Abstract
General Practitioners (GPs) play a crucial role in the identification and support of young people at risk of suicidal behaviour and self-harm; however, no studies have explored GPs’ perspectives, approaches, challenges, and resource needs when working with this cohort in an Australian setting. This was a qualitative study where fifteen GPs (Mage = 45.25 years) from multiple clinics in Western Australia took part in semi-structured interviews, and data were analysed thematically. Seven main themes were identified: (1) working with young people has its unique challenges; (2) screening and assessment tools can help to manage uncertainty and discomfort; (3) going beyond tools–the dialogue and relationship are most important; (4) there are limits to what we can offer in the time available; (5) the service access and referral pathways lack clarity and coordination; (6) the provision of mental health support should not fall on GPs alone; and (7) more comprehensive training in suicide and self-harm is needed. The findings highlight a number of opportunities to enhance care and better assist GPs working with young people who present with suicidal behaviour and self-harm, including considerations for conducting assessments, targeted resources such as training, and system and service improvements.
| Item Type: |
Article
|
| Keywords: |
suicide; suicidal behaviour; self-harm; primary care; general practitioners; young people;
risk assessment; qualitative; |
| Academic Unit: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering > Psychology |
| Item ID: |
16649 |
| Identification Number: |
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182412926 |
| Depositing User: |
Sadhbh Byrne
|
| Date Deposited: |
24 Oct 2022 14:35 |
| Journal or Publication Title: |
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health |
| Publisher: |
MDPI |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| URI: |
|
| Use Licence: |
This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available
here |
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