Experiences of a recovery-oriented caring approach to suicidal behavior: A single-case study

Research considering the basis for mental health nurses wanting to enable recovery among people who suffer from suicidal behavior is sparse. The aim of this study is to explore and evaluate how a new recovery-oriented caring approach (ROCA) was experienced by a suicidal patient in a context of close relatives and nurses. A single-case study with a qual-quan mixed-method design was chosen. Participants were recruited from a psychiatric clinic in Sweden and consisted of one patient, one close relative to the patient, and three nurses. The results reveal that the ROCA enabled the patient to narrate, bear experiences of hopelessness, and ask for support, rather than view suicide as the only possible solution. ROCA has the potential to support patients, relatives, and nurses to develop a common language, considering the patient’s life situation and struggles and to use this as a source for the patient’s individual care planning.