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    Working with Young People at Risk of Suicidal Behaviour and Self-Harm: A Qualitative Study of Australian General Practitioners’ Perspectives


    Bellairs-Walsh, India, Byrne, Sadhbh J., Bendall, Sarah, Perry, Yael, Krysinska, Karolina, Lin, Ashleigh, Michail, Maria, Lamblin, Michelle, Li, Tina Yutong, 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

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    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: 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
    Related URLs:
    URI: https://mural.maynoothuniversity.ie/id/eprint/16649
    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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