Qualitative study investigating the professional and personal effects of patient suicide on general practitioners in Northern Ireland

Objective: There is a dearth in suicide literature addressing the impact on general practitioners (GPs) of losing a patient. We aimed to examine the personal and professional impact as well as the availability of support and why GPs did or did not use it. Design: A qualitative study using one-to-one interviews with participants recruited using snowball sampling. Setting: The study was conducted in a primary care setting. Participants: Interviews were held with 19 GPs within primary care in Northern Ireland. Results: GPs are impacted both personally and professionally when they lose a patient to suicide, but may not access formal help due to commonly held idealised notions of a ‘good’ GP who is regarded as having solid imperturbability. Fear of professional repercussions also plays a major role in deterring help-seeking. Conclusions: There is a need for a systemic culture shift within general practice which allows doctors to seek support when their physical or mental health require it. This may help prevent stress, burnout and early retirement.