Health care given in general hospitals to individuals who attempted suicide: the voice of nursing professionals

Abstract

Introduction:
Suicide attempt is a worldwide phenomenon that has significant impact on individuals’ personal, family and social life. It is defined as a severe health issue that requires interventions focused on avoiding fatal outcomes. Thus, general hospitals are places aimed at providing care to individuals who attempted suicide; thus, their professional intervention should prioritize the maintenance of patients’ life and psychoemotional recovery. Objective: Investigating and analyzing the profile of patients who attempted suicide and were hospitalized in a small hospital, as well as the nursing care provided to these patients. Methods: Qualitative and descriptive research. Data were collected based on semi-structured interview and non-participant observation carried out from January to March 2017. Ten nursing professionals participated in the study. Data were subjected to content analysis. Results: Participants expressed their perceptions about individuals who attempted suicide and pointed out causes that lead them to do it, such as lack of familiar structure, economic issues, mental illness, use of psychoactive substances and unemployment. In addition, they listed the nursing cares provided to patients at hospitalization time, such as welcoming, dialogue, listening, observation, monitoring, removal of objects that could be used in suicide attempts, socialization activities and drug management. Conclusion: Nursing professionals play a key role in minimizing the suffering, improving the clinical condition and preventing further suicide attempts among individuals hospitalized due to suicidal behavior.