Qualitative study investigating the professional and personal effects of patient suicide on general practitioners in Northern Ireland (10 February 2024)

Summary

There is currently a lack of research addressing the impact of patient suicide on GPs. This qualitative study in BMJ Open aimed to examine the personal and professional impact of patient suicide, as well as the availability of support and why GPs did or did not use it.

The authors found that GPs are impacted both personally and professionally when they lose a patient to suicide, but may not access formal help due to commonly held idealised notions of a ‘good’ GP who is regarded as being unshakable. Fear of professional repercussions also plays a major role in deterring help-seeking.

A systemic culture shift which allows GPs to seek support when their physical or mental health requires it is needed, and this may help prevent stress, burnout and early retirement.