Perceptions of professionals of a Family Health Strategy unit regarding patients with risk factors for suicide

Abstract

The suicide is an intentional act designed to end one’s life. It is the result of a complex interaction of factors. Appropriate care for patients with suicidal thoughts can promote quality of life and promote mental health, and thus recovery. Thus, the objective was to analyze the vision and performance of the multidisciplinary team of a Family Health Strategy (FHS) about patients with risk factors for suicide. It is a qualitative, cross-sectional and descriptive study. Individual 10-minute interviews were conducted with fifteen professionals from different health areas of an FHS, identifying the risk factors that most affect patients, the way they are welcomed in the FHS and the measures taken in the face of suicidal behavior. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed. The most reported risk factors were alcoholism, depression and family conflicts. According to the statements, after receiving the patients were referred to psychologist and doctors of the FHS. However, in general, professionals reported not sufficient skills training to deal with mental health actions. The proper action of the FHS in the fight against suicide is important, since primary care has acceptance of the population and has a great positive impact on health. Professional training processes are necessary to enable strategies in their work processes against suicide.