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. DESIGN: Structured interview-based, qualitative case design. SETTING: Interviews were conducted in the context of community-based brain injury rehabilitation service delivery. PARTICIPANTS: 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.