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Psychiatrists’ Experience of a Peer Support Group for Reflecting on Patient Suicide and Homicide: A Qualitative Study

Author

Listed:
  • Millie Tamworth

    (Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London W1T 7NF, UK)

  • Helen Killaspy

    (Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London W1T 7NF, UK
    Camden & Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London NW1 0PE, UK)

  • Jo Billings

    (Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London W1T 7NF, UK)

  • Rachel Gibbons

    (Royal College of Psychiatrists, London E1 8BB, UK)

Abstract

There is a lack of support for mental health professionals who experience a patient suicide or homicide. This is despite a high likelihood of such an occurrence and the heavy professional and personal toll the experience can take. We conducted 15 interviews with members of a facilitated peer support group run for consultant psychiatrists who have experienced a patient homicide or suicide. Our interviews explored the trauma of the experience as well as the effectiveness of the group in helping the clinician heal. Our results echoed previous research that the experience can be profoundly traumatic. A professionally facilitated, consultant-only peer group specifically dedicated to suicide and homicide were the key components helping participants to process their grief. Mental health trusts should consider setting up facilitated peer support groups for clinicians who experience patient suicide or homicide.

Suggested Citation

  • Millie Tamworth & Helen Killaspy & Jo Billings & Rachel Gibbons, 2022. "Psychiatrists’ Experience of a Peer Support Group for Reflecting on Patient Suicide and Homicide: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-16, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:21:p:14507-:d:963884
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alexandra Pitman & Tanisha De Souza & Adelia Khrisna Putri & Fiona Stevenson & Michael King & David Osborn & Nicola Morant, 2018. "Support Needs and Experiences of People Bereaved by Suicide: Qualitative Findings from a Cross-Sectional British Study of Bereaved Young Adults," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-21, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Yossi Levi-Belz & Karolina Krysinska & Karl Andriessen, 2023. "What Do We Know about Suicide Bereavement, and What We Can Do to Help Suicide-Loss Survivors?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(8), pages 1-5, April.
    2. Millie Tamworth & Sahra Tekin & Jo Billings & Helen Killaspy, 2024. "What Are the Experiences of Mental Health Practitioners Involved in a Coroner’s Inquest and Other Inquiry Processes after an Unexpected Death of a Patient? A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis o," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(3), pages 1-20, March.

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