Developing a suicide prevention strategy based on the perspectives of people with brain injuries.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a service-relevant, suicide prevention strategy based on the perspectives of people with brain injuries and their family members.


METHODS
Structured interview-based, qualitative case design.


METHODS
Interviews were conducted in the context of community-based brain injury rehabilitation service delivery.


METHODS
Ten persons with moderate to severe brain injuries who exhibited suicidal orientations and four family member/carers of these participants.


RESULTS
Qualitative analysis of interview transcripts revealed a number of relevant themes. The primary theme was that informal relationships play a key role in preventing suicide. Secondary themes included the potential role of specialist brain injury rehabilitation services in suicide prevention and the need for provision of more information about brain injury to family and friends to promote understanding.


CONCLUSIONS
Some discrepancy was noted between the perspectives of people with brain injuries and family members. The need for multiple strategies to respond to suicide risk was reinforced. Service-relevant resources (suicide risk screen, contract, and brochure) have been developed and included in service delivery.
Kuipers
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P
Research and Development Officer, Acquired Brain Injury Outreach Service, Brisbane QLD, Australia.
Lancaster
A
A
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003159:Community-Institutional Relations; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010358:Patient Participation; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016730:Program Development / Q000379:methods*; D011793:Queensland; D012307:Risk Factors; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D000092864:Suicide Prevention