Attitudes of medical professionals towards high-risk suicidal patients

TL;DR

This study explores how medical professionals in Japan view high-risk suicidal patients and identifies factors influencing their attitudes.

Contribution

The study reveals distinct attitudes among paramedics, nurses, and social workers toward suicide in Japan.

Findings

Paramedics were more likely to view suicide as unjustified and a threat compared to social workers.

Nurses were more likely to see suicide as a threat and an impulsive act.

Commonalities in attitudes suggest potential for collaborative suicide prevention efforts.

Abstract

Suicide is a serious global public health challenge recognised as a high priority by the World Health Organization. Knowledge and attitudes of healthcare professionals and first responders play a critical role in suicide prevention. This study aimed to clarify attitudes and influencing factors among paramedics, nurses, and social workers in Japan.

We conducted a cross-sectional survey between 2015 and 2022 using a self-administered paper questionnaire. The Japanese version of the Attitudes Toward Suicide scale assessed six factors using a five-point Likert scale. A linear regression model was used to analyse variations associated with age, gender, profession, and experience.

Among 685 respondents, 443 provided valid responses (paramedics: 34.8%, nurses: 38.8%, social workers: 26.4%). Paramedics were more likely than social workers to regard suicide as an unjustified act (β = 0.474, 95% CI: 0.167–0.780, P = 0.003) and as a threat (β = 0.450, 95% CI: 0.142–0.757, P = 0.004), and less likely to think suicide can happen to anyone (β = −0.640, 95% CI: −0.855–−0.425, P < 0.001). Nurses regarded suicide as a threat (β = 0.394, 95% CI: 0.134–0.653, P = 0.003) and as an impulsive act (β = 0.220, 95% CI: 0.024–0.416, P = 0.028).

Although we found differences in attitudes towards suicide between health professionals, there were also many commonalities. By holding workshops with a wide range of professionals, and deepening mutual understanding, it may be possible to implement seamless suicide prevention measures.

Figures