A Survey of Dutch GPs’ Attitudes Towards Help Seeking and Follow-Up Care for Relatives Bereaved by Suicide

The management by general practitioners of help requests from relatives bereaved by suicide was investigated & determinants of their willingness to refer for evidence-based follow-up care was examined. A cross-sectional survey included 488 general practitioners in the northern part of The Netherlands. 214 responses were received. In the last 3 years, 38 general practitioners were exposed to suicide, 21 to help requests without being exposed to suicide, & 52 to both suicide & help requests. Out of 106 requests, 69 were handled by the general practitioners, 60 were either directly or additionally referred, principally for mental health care. The perception that help is useful increased the likelihood of referral for follow-up care. (28 refs.)