Suicide attempt survivors’ recommendations for improving mental health treatment for attempt survivors.

Abstract

Research indicates that connection to mental health care services and treatment engagement remain challenges among suicide attempt survivors. One way to improve suicide attempt survivors' experiences with mental health care services is to elicit suggestions directly from attempt survivors regarding how to do so. This study aimed to identify and synthesize suicide attempt survivors' recommendations for how to enhance mental health treatment experiences for attempt survivors. A sample of 329 suicide attempt survivors (81.5% female, 86.0% White/Caucasian, mean age ϭ 35.07 Ϯ 12.18 years) provided responses to an open-ended self-report survey question probing how treatment might be improved for suicide attempt survivors. Responses were analyzed utilizing both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Analyses identified four broad areas in which mental health treatment experiences might be improved for attempt survivors: (a) provider interactions (e.g., by reducing stigma of suicidality, expressing empathy, and using active listening), (b) intake and treatment planning (e.g., by providing a range of treatment options, including nonmedication treatments, and conducting a thorough assessment), (c) treatment delivery (e.g., by addressing root problems, bolstering coping skills, and using trauma-informed care), and (d) structural issues (e.g., by improving access to care and continuity of care). Findings highlight numerous avenues by which health providers might be able to facilitate more positive mental health treatment experiences for suicide attempt survivors. Research is needed to test whether implementing the recommendations offered by attempt survivors in this study might lead to enhanced treatment engagement, retention, and outcomes among suicide attempt survivors at large. Impact StatementThis study identifies various avenues by which mental health treatment might be improved for suicide attempt survivors. This study also highlights the importance of leveraging the perspectives of individuals with lived experience in suicide prevention research.

Consumer and Carer Perspectives of a Zero Suicide Prevention Program: A Qualitative Study

“…However, the study also identified areas for improvement. Our results are consistent with recent research indicating that reducing stigma, comprehensive psychosocial assessment, and addressing structural barriers to accessing care are essential recommendations for improving mental health services for those who have attempted suicide [45]. As part of several actions to improve the pathway, the GCMHSS has recently introduced a new Crisis Stabilization Unit as an alternative to the emergency department for suicidal consumers.…”

Comparing treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction among individuals presenting to psychiatric care with and without recent suicidal ideation

“…On average, patients responded with either "usually" or "always" to questions probing how frequently staff involved them in treatment decisions, listened carefully to them, treated them with respect and dignity, and provided reassurance and support. Studies directly surveying those with lived experience with suicidality have identified each of these areas as critical to facilitating positive treatment experiences (Berg et al, 2017;Hom et al, 2020). The involvement of patients with SI in their treatment decisions has also been cited as a critical avenue by which to improve care for this population (Britton et al, 2008).…”

“…Over time, these patients-who already had somewhat positive views about We cannot conclude from our data which PHP components were most therapeutic. Yet, many factors considered important when providing high-quality care to individuals with recent SI are present at the PHP, including skills-based therapy, providers experienced with suicide risk management, a multidisciplinary approach, and peer support opportunities (Hom et al, 2020). Consequently, it is possible that some, all, and/or the interaction of these factors contributed to positive perceptions of care-research is needed in this regard.…”

Considerations in the assessment of help‐seeking and mental health service use in suicide prevention research

“…Promising approaches include motivational interviewing‐based interventions that address at‐risk individuals’ specific concerns about help‐seeking (e.g., King et al, 2015) and Web‐based screening interventions that encourage the pursuit of in‐person care (e.g., Haas et al, 2008). Also integral to this work is the perspective of those with lived experience; their recommendations may shed light on why poor treatment engagement and outcomes persist despite initiation of care (see Hom et al, 2020, for suicide attempt survivors’ recommendations on how to improve mental health treatment for attempt survivors at large). We would be remiss not to acknowledge that access to care and a lack of provider training in suicide risk assessment and management are additional challenges that must be considered (see Hom et al, 2015, for review).…”