Working with Young People at Risk of Suicidal Behaviour and Self-Harm: A Qualitative Study of Australian General Practitioners’ Perspectives

India Bellairs-Walsh, Sadhbh J. Byrne, Sarah Bendall, Yael Perry, Karolina Krysinska, Ashleigh Lin, Maria Michail, Michelle Lamblin, Tina Yutong Li, Sarah Hetrick and Jo Robinson
Additional contact information
India Bellairs-Walsh: Orygen, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
Sadhbh J. Byrne: Orygen, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
Sarah Bendall: Orygen, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
Yael Perry: Telethon Kids Institute, Perth Children’s Hospital, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
Karolina Krysinska: Orygen, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
Ashleigh Lin: Telethon Kids Institute, Perth Children’s Hospital, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
Maria Michail: School of Psychology, Institute for Mental Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
Michelle Lamblin: Orygen, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
Tina Yutong Li: Orygen, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
Sarah Hetrick: Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
Jo Robinson: Orygen, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 24, 1-19

Abstract: General Practitioners (GPs) play a crucial role in the identification and support of young people at risk of suicidal behaviour and self-harm; however, no studies have explored GPs’ perspectives, approaches, challenges, and resource needs when working with this cohort in an Australian setting. This was a qualitative study where fifteen GPs ( M age = 45.25 years) from multiple clinics in Western Australia took part in semi-structured interviews, and data were analysed thematically. Seven main themes were identified: (1) working with young people has its unique challenges; (2) screening and assessment tools can help to manage uncertainty and discomfort; (3) going beyond tools–the dialogue and relationship are most important; (4) there are limits to what we can offer in the time available; (5) the service access and referral pathways lack clarity and coordination; (6) the provision of mental health support should not fall on GPs alone; and (7) more comprehensive training in suicide and self-harm is needed. The findings highlight a number of opportunities to enhance care and better assist GPs working with young people who present with suicidal behaviour and self-harm, including considerations for conducting assessments, targeted resources such as training, and system and service improvements.

Keywords: suicide; suicidal behaviour; self-harm; primary care; general practitioners; young people; risk assessment; qualitative (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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