A day with suicidal adolescents: Experiences of mental healthcare providers

Abstract

Background:Suicide-related behaviour, including suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts, has become a significant cause of death worldwide, particularly among adolescents. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of mental healthcare providers in providing healthcare to adolescents with suicidal behaviour and to explore and describe what support can be provided to mental healthcare providers. Methods: A qualitative descriptive design with the study conducted in the adolescent ward in a public psychiatric hospital in the Western Cape, South Africa. A purposive sampling technique was used. A total of n=11 semi-structured individual interviews were conducted. Data saturation was reached after interview n=9 and two more interviews were conducted to confirm data saturation. Data was analyzed using a thematic method of qualitative data analysis. Trustworthiness was ensured through dependability, transferability, credibility, and confirmability. Approval was obtained from the necessary authorities. Results: Mental healthcare providers experience providing healthcare to adolescents with suicidal behaviour as challenging at times, mental healthcare providers experience providing healthcare to adolescents with suicidal behaviour as rewarding at times. Additionally, mental healthcare providers providing healthcare to adolescents with suicidal behaviour need emotional and/or psychological support and mental healthcare providers providing healthcare to adolescents with suicidal behaviour need organizational support. Conclusion: The study underscores the mental health providers' experience providing health care to adolescents with suicidal behaviour and how they can be supported to fulfill their duties. Addressing their emotional and psychological needs through regular debriefing and counseling, coupled with enhanced training and management support, can significantly improve their coping mechanisms and overall quality of care. By ensuring that healthcare providers are well-supported and equipped, their effectiveness in treating suicidal adolescents can be markedly improved, ultimately benefiting both the providers and the patients.