Exploring Health Care Professionals' Knowledge of, Attitudes Towards, and Confidence in Caring for People at Risk of Suicide: a Systematic Review
Date
2019
Authors
Boukouvalas, Evelyn
El-Den, Sarira
Murphy, Andrea L.
Salvador-Carulla, Luis
O'Reilly, Claire L
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Volume Title
Publisher
Taylor & Francis
Abstract
Health care professionals are paramount to the prevention and management of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Confidence in caring for people at risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors is influenced by knowledge of
and attitudes towards suicide. This systematic review aimed to explore health care professionals’ knowledge of and attitudes towards suicide, as well as, their confidence in caring for people at risk of suicidal thoughts
and behaviors. A systematic search of 4 electronic databases over 10 years was conducted. Following retrieval of 1,723 abstracts, 46 primary research
publications were included, involving both cross-sectional (n¼27) and intervention study designs (n¼19). Knowledge of, attitudes towards, and
confidence in caring for people at risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors were explored among primary health care professionals, specialists, and health care students. The influence of training and education, type of
health care professional, country of practice, and prior experience with suicide were highlighted among included studies. Health care professionals’ knowledge of, attitudes towards and confidence in caring for people at risk
of suicide are complex, interrelated constructs that shape their behaviors and may impact patient outcomes. Suicide training and education is necessary within health care curricula and as part of health care professionals’
continuing professional development.
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Source
Archives of Suicide Research
Type
Journal article
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Restricted until
2037-12-31
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