Percepções de profissionais da saúde sobre pacientes com comportamento suicida: metassíntese da literatura científica

Abstract

Suicide is a complex human phenomenon and it represents a huge public health problem. One of the first contacts of the health professional and the suicidal patient is during the process of check in of the patient in the hospital facilities. Nevertheless, this initial assistance might be full of stereotypes and biases, which could transform into a non-humanized and nonwelcoming treatment. The main objective of this study is to comprehend, by the literature revision, perceptions of health professionals about suicidal behavior. Method: A meta-synthesis of selected empirical articles was carried out, classified and evaluated by methodology consistency and later was made an interpretational and critical reading of the results utilizing the inductive thematic analysis. Results: Eleven articles that fitted the defined criteria were selected. And three themes were identified and nominated as: (1) “The vision of health professionals about the suicidal patient”; (2) “The role of health professionals about the suicidal patient” and (3) “The difficulties of health professionals about the suicidal patient”. Discussion: It was realized that health professionals show biomedical paradigm-oriented behavior and, with this, show nonempathy with the suicidal patient. It was noted, as well, that professionals, in general, don't feel prepared for this kind of demand, showing the necessity of permanent educational programs about mental health with this. Final considerations: multi-professional action, welcoming treatment and a support network are very important in suicide prevention.