1. "Embracing is the most important thing we can do" – Caring for the family members of patients at risk of suicide.
- Author
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Vatne, May, Lohne, Vibeke, and Nåden, Dagfinn
- Subjects
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FAMILIES & psychology , *MENTAL health personnel , *SOCIAL support , *PSYCHOLOGY of hospital patients , *ATTITUDE (Psychology) , *RESEARCH methodology , *MEDICAL personnel , *INTERVIEWING , *PATIENT psychology , *SUICIDAL behavior , *SUICIDAL ideation , *PHENOMENOLOGY , *QUALITATIVE research , *PATIENTS' families , *HOPE , *PSYCHOSOCIAL factors , *HEALTH , *INFORMATION resources , *COMMUNICATION , *THEMATIC analysis , *NEEDS assessment , *PSYCHIATRIC hospitals , *MENTAL health services , *PATIENT safety - Abstract
This study explores mental health personnel's experiences in the encounter with family members of patients at risk of suicide so as to develop a deeper understanding of the content of caring. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews with 12 participants and were analysed and interpreted using a model inspired by the philosophical hermeneutics of Gadamer. The context was psychiatric wards. Through a thematic analysis, four themes emerged: Acknowledgement as a premise for involving family members. Embracing with the family members' feelings and reactions. Strengthening hope in a situation entailing a serious risk of suicide. Providing reassurance to family members in transitional situations. Witnessing the family members' suffering and needs is understood as arousing a sense of responsibility in the participants and triggering various care strategies such as listening, embracing, strengthening hope and providing reassurance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
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