Citation

Newell S, Rynerson A, Gade P, Bahraini NH, Denneson LM, Dobscha SK. Gen. Hosp. Psychiatry 2024; 87: 7-12.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2024, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2024.01.004

PMID

38266442

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: While screening and treatment options for patients who disclose suicidal ideation in clinical settings have grown in recent decades, little is known about patient experiences following disclosure. We characterize patient perspectives of responses following disclosure of suicidal ideation in Veteran Health Administration (VHA) primary care and mental health settings.

METHOD: Qualitative thematic analysis using a conventional/directed hybrid approach.

RESULTS: A national sample comprised of sixty participants who recently screened for suicidal ideation in primary care (n = 28) and mental health (n = 32) settings completed interviews. Many patients described therapeutic experiences following disclosure, including caring staff, timely follow-up care, and offers of multiple treatment options. Other patients, however, reported deficits in staff empathy, long waits for follow-up care, or inadequate treatment options.

CONCLUSIONS: While many VA clinical settings provided empathic and helpful responses, these experiences were not universal. Our findings reinforce the importance of a patient-centered approach to screening and response to disclosure, including collaboration with patients in treatment planning. Improved follow-up care coordination processes are needed. Following disclosure, contact with the staff who received the disclosure also helps patients feel cared about, and provides opportunity to troubleshoot barriers a patient may experience in accessing care.

Language: en

Keywords

Suicide; Primary care; Mental health; Veterans; Patient-centered care