Multidisciplinary health care in cases of childhood suicidal ideation: operational and organizational limits

Abstract

Objective: to know the health care process performed by the multidisciplinary team in cases of suicidal ideation for children and adolescents in Primary and Secondary Care. Methods: a descriptive study with a qualitative approach carried out with 12 professionals from ESFs, EACS and CAPS II in the city of Santarém. The software IRAMUTEQ 0.7 alpha 2 was used to build the similarity tree and analyze speech content. Results: the word “no” is present prominently in the interviewees’ speeches about experiences and strategies for coping with suicide, revealing an absence of individual preparation and structure in the segments of SUS Primary and Secondary Care. Final considerations: health team assistance finds operational and organizational limits during the implantation of intervention strategies and coping with the factors that trigger child and youth suicide. It is important to make specific resources feasible, to organize reference protocols and support programs for patients and families.

Suicide attempts by adolescents assisted in an emergency department: a cross-sectional study

“…However, in a descriptive qualitative study, carried out with the multidisciplinary teams of a Psychosocial Care Center and a Family Health Strategy, it is observed that professionals have knowledge about SA, but most have never provided assistance to an adolescent exposed to it, although it is expected that these services are familiar with the subject. Moreover, in the speeches, judgment and professional taboo are noted ( 10 ) .…”

“…Another point is that several studies point out in their conclusions ( 3 , 10 ) that there is a need for new strategies and public policies to assist suicidal behavior. However, the WHO includes the reduction of suicide mortality as a global goal and as an indicator of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, as well as in the Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan by 2030, bringing the “Live-Life” guide as a strategy ( 32 ) .…”

“…Although adolescents remain for a few hours in the service, their psychological demands are often not addressed (14)(15)(16)(17)(18) , for demanding dedication, active listening and bonding, challenges to the emergency professional due to interruptions and intercurrences inherent to the activity. Moreover, it also requires training, security in the approach and service structure, new barriers faced, mainly due to the fragmentation of care by age between the child and adult department, as a result of public mental health policies (10) .…”

“…International data show that approximately 12% of adolescents experience suicidal ideation, 4% make a suicide plan and 4% attempt suicide ( 9 ) . However, the statistical data may be underestimated and be larger, due to the SA being underreported ( 10 ) .…”

“…Countless investigations have been dedicated to the study of suicidal behavior and its determinants, impacts, epidemiology and cultural variability, but focused on the primary and secondary level of health care in the territory (10,12,(15)(16)(17) . As the hospital service plays a crucial role in identifying individuals at risk and/ or assisting those who experience SA (18) , emergency departments can be particularly important for these efforts.…”