Provision and Evaluation of a Suicide Prevention and Management Programme by Frontline Nurses in Hong Kong

This study evaluated an education programme for frontline nurses on patient suicide prevention & management. The study was done in 2 general hospitals from December 2004-June 2006. A total of 54 registered nurses were assigned to the study group & 56 to the control group. A purposive sample was recruited for focus group interviews. Participants gave positive feedback about the programme, agreeing that its objectives were appropriate & achieved. It was felt that knowledge & attitudes & skills in caring for suicidal patients & their families had been enhanced. Topics related to assessment protocol, intervention, case studies, sharing of experience, & information about suicide were considered the most useful. (5 refs.)