Background: Previous research underscores the importance of cocreating suicide prevention strategies, involving patients and their families as integral partners in the healthcare journey. This presentation unveils insights gleaned from two interview studies conducted in Sweden between 2023 and 2024, in collaboration with three non-governmental organizations focused on suicide prevention.
Aim: This research elucidates the cocreation requirements in suicide prevention from the perspective of people with lived experiences and relatives to people with suicidal behaviour.
Materials and methods: Deep interviews with individuals (n=20) with lived experiences of suicidal behaviour, alongside focus group discussions with relatives (n=20), were transcribed verbatim. The narratives explored various pathways within primary care and psychiatric units, addressing the needs of adults, children, and adolescents alike. Thematic and hermeneutic analyses were employed for data interpretation.
Results: Preliminary findings reveal a lack of person-centeredness and cocreation in current suicide preventive efforts. Participants reported feelings of marginalization in decision-making processes, referring to invisible power structures which at times influenced their rehabilitation journey negatively. Overlooked practical considerations, such as distance to healthcare facilities and aspects of inpatient environments, were highlighted. The tension between integrity/safety and security emerged as a prominent theme, with individuals emphasizing the need for “safe spaces”, providing a refuge for both their physical and emotional well-being, while relatives lamented legal constraints hindering their involvement in the healthcare process.
Discussion: In contrast to existing research, our findings underscore a healthcare landscape predominantly tailored to organizational and professional needs, rather than user-centric considerations. This misalignment may erode user-professional relationships, and lead to increased treatment drop-out rates and inflated costs due to compromised patient safety and reduced efficiency. Further details will be presented at the conference.
Conclusions and clinical relevance: In conclusion, our study emphasizes the need for a shift towards person-centered care and cocreation in suicide prevention. The discrepancy between current healthcare pathways and the experiences of individuals at risk, coupled with family concerns, underscores systemic shortcomings. Integrating user perspectives into clinical practice offers a promising avenue for more effective suicide prevention efforts.