Vidotto

Suicide is a complex phenomenon, considered a public health problem due to the high rates of attempts and consequent deaths. The initial contact with a patient who has attempted suicide most often takes place in the emergency department of a general hospital, and it is essential to analyse the relationship between members of the healthcare team and the patient with suicidal behaviour in order to understand how care is being provided. The aim of this study was to understand how healthcare professionals working in the emergency department experience the care provided to patients who have attempted suicide. The research was qualitative in nature, data was collected through open-ended interviews and the material obtained from the collaborators’ statements was organised into thematic units. This book is aimed at health professionals, students and readers with an interest in the subject.