GPs’ experiences in assessing and managing suicidal behavior in children and adolescents

Aim: Danish general practitioners (GP) function as a gatekeeper for referrals to specialized care, meaning GPs play an important role in the prevention of suicide. The aim of this study was to examine experiences of GPs and practice staff in assessing and managing suicide risk in youth. Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional survey among GPs and practice staff in the Capital Region of Denmark applying quantitative and qualitative data, analyzed with descriptive statistics and content analysis. Results: The response rate was 24.5%, 64% of responders being women. Nearly all GPs felt safe in managing adults at risk of suicide but felt less safe in managing children and youth under 18 years, regardless of clinical experience. Lack of time was the most highlighted barrier. Almost half of GPs had not referred patients to a Suicide Prevention Clinic (SPC) and 72,3% had not received specialized training. Among GPs there were conflicting findings regarding further training and the potential use of a screening tool. Conclusion: This study finds less confidence among GPs and practice staff in assessing and managing suicide risk in children and adolescents compared to adults, regardless of clinical experience. This study has important implications for providing education in general practice to support management of suicide risk in youth including referral options. Future studies should examine the use of e-learning and possibilities for implementation of a systematic screening effort for mental health concerns in young patients.