Psychiatric Trainees’ Experiences of, and Reactions to, Patient Suicide

103 senior & specialist registrars in psychiatry working in Scotland completed a questionnaire regarding patient suicide. Almost half had experienced the suicide of a patient in their care or otherwise known to them. Although only 28% recalled previous training on issues to consider following a suicide, all of these doctors found this to be of value. Many reported patient suicide had a deleterious impact on their personal & professional lives. The most valuable supports were informal & the trainees’ consultants appeared particularly well placed to offer support & advice. (12 refs.)