Citation

Houle J, Poulin C, Nieuwenhuyse HV. Can. J. Commun. Ment. Health 2010; 29(1): 123-134.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Wifrid Laurier University Press)

DOI

10.7870/cjcmh-2010-0010

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Improving the continuity of care for suicidal persons is an important challenge in suicide prevention. However, partnerships between hospitals and community-based services are difficult to create and sustain. The aim of this study was to explore the point of view of health care professionals from a range of disciplines and organizations concerning the factors that facilitate or hinder interagency collaboration in enhancing continuity of care for suicidal persons. Structured interviews were created from a purposive sample of 40 professionals recruited from 15 partner organizations in mental health services.

RESULTS indicated that interagency trust is essential to improved continuity of care, and that building trust requires time and sustained contacts. Regular meetings allowed partners to discuss and collectively solve problems. Barriers included staff turnover, difficulty in evaluating the severity of suicidal crisis, and the time required to exchange information. © 2010, Can. J. Community Ment. Health. All rights reserved.

Language: en