Working with suicide: Evaluating gaps in training provision

Suicide continues to be a significant health concern worldwide, with the UK focusing efforts to reduce its rate through the ‘Suicide prevention in England: five year cross-sector strategy.’ Clinicians who work with suicidality often experience heightened anxiety and fear of recrimination which impacts upon their confidence and competence when working with suicide. This study aimed to evaluate clinicians’ perspectives of working with suicide risk, specifically their concerns and the types of additional support needed, with the view to enhance the development of future training and professional development. Focus groups (N=367) occurred between 2017 and 2020 across a series of 35 training sessions. Thematic analysis identified seven themes: assessment abilities, after a suicide, clinical responsibility, capability to make decisions, actions following suicidal disclosure, guidance regarding suicide, and personal views. While competence in suicide risk assessment is essential, clinicians would benefit from resilience building to manage the emotional toll of working with suicidality. Recommendations are provided on integrating emotional resilience into training programmes, such as incorporating reflective practice and developing emotional self-awareness skills.