Citation

Siry BJ, Knoepke CE, Ernestus SM, Matlock DD, Betz ME. West. J. Emerg. Med. 2021; 22(3): 471-477.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, California Chapter of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine)

DOI

10.5811/westjem.2021.8.49485

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Lethal means counseling (to reduce access to firearms or other suicide methods) is a recommended critical yet challenging component of care of suicidal patients. Questions remain about communication strategies for those in acute crisis.

METHODS: This qualitative study was an analysis of semi-structured interviews with English-speaking, community-dwelling adults with a history of lived-experience of suicidal ideation or attempts in themselves or a family member. We used a mixed inductive and deductive approach to identify descriptive themes related to communication and decision-making.

RESULTS: Among 27 participants, 14 (52%) had personal and 23 (85%) had family experience with suicide ideation or attempts. Emergent themes fell into two domains: (1) communication in a state of high emotionality; and (2) specific challenges in communication: initiating, maintaining engagement, considering context.

CONCLUSION: Engaging suicidal individuals in lethal means counseling may be more effective when messaging and approaches consider their emotional state and communication challenges.

Language: en