Citation

Figueroa S, Dalack GW. J. Psychiatr. Pract. 2013; 19(1): 72-77.

Affiliation

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/01.pra.0000426330.41773.15

PMID

23334682

Abstract

Objective. We developed an every other year, scheduled retreat model for clinicians and trainees to explore emotional and professional reactions that they may face after a patient's suicide. Methods. Psychiatry ambulatory clinical staff, residents, and faculty participated in a halfday retreat, which consisted of an opening panel discussion, in which panel members related their experiences of patient suicide, break out groups, and a final panel discussion. Unlinked preand post-retreat surveys were electronically sent to all potential participants. Results. The pre-retreat survey was completed by 103 clinicians; 20% of the respondents were trainees or fellows, and 47% reported that they had experienced a patient suicide. Text responses to the pre-retreat survey reflected the wish to obtain a better understanding of the impact of patient suicide on caregivers, to cope with the event from a personal and professional standpoint, and to get a clearer understanding of what supports are available within the department. The post-retreat survey was completed by 45 clinicians. Comments after the retreat reflected an increased awareness of both shortand long-term effects on clinicians after a patient suicide and the extensive impact that a patient suicide can have on providers within their ambulatory care department. Conclusion. An alldepartment ambulatory retreat model has value in providing clinicians with support and information in a structured, educational setting to help reduce the sense of stigma and provide an increased awareness of the magnitude of the impact on clinicians who experience the death of a patient by suicide.

Language: en