Citation

Burrows S, Laflamme L. Arch. Suicide Res. 2007; 11(3): 281-290.

Affiliation

Karolinska Institutet, Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of International Health. Stockholm. Sweden.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, International Academy of Suicide Research, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13811110701403981

PMID

17558613

Abstract

Decisional processes underlying the determination of a suicide in the largest injury surveillance system currently available in South Africa are assessed through face-to-face semi-structured interviews with 32 medical practitioners involved in the system. Focus is placed on their current work circumstances and practices, and views of operational and empirical criteria proposed by US experts. Common themes and discrepancies in opinions emerged regarding the quality of the data currently available for suicide determinations, and regarding the importance and difficulty in assessing the US-developed criteria in South Africa. A truly standard approach is unlikely without considerable changes to the medico-legal system.

Language: en