Experiences and support needs of consultant psychiatrists following a patient-perpetrated homicide

Abstract

Aims and method To investigate the experiences and support needs of consultant psychiatrists following a patient-perpetrated homicide, an anonymous online survey was sent to all consultant psychiatrists registered as members of the UK's Royal College of Psychiatrists. Results Of the 497 psychiatrists who responded, 165 (33%) had experienced a homicide by a patient under their consultant care. Most respondents reported negative impacts on their clinical work (83%), mental and/or physical health (78%) or personal relationships (59%), and for some (9–12%) these were severe and long lasting. Formal processes such as serious incident inquiries were commonly experienced as distressing. Support was mainly provided by friends, family and colleagues rather than the employing organisation. Clinical implications Mental health service providers need to provide support and guidance to psychiatrists following a patient-perpetrated homicide to help them manage the personal and professional impact. Further research into the needs of other mental health professionals is needed.

Keywords

• Homicide
• clinicians
• well-being
• support
• employer