Table 3 Description of themes structure, derived from interviews with psychiatrists (N = 15) about suicide assessment
Main themes | ||
Understanding the patient | Understanding and coping with one’s own reactions | Understanding the influence of the patient- doctor relationship |
Subthemes | ||
Blunted emotional contact hinders assessment | Meeting the suicidal patient elicits emotional reactions | The asymmetrical relationship hinders communication |
Credibility issues and the unspoken narrative | Alone and insecure with a deep sense of responsibility | Risking the relationship or risking security? |
Impressions elicit gut feelings | Living with uncertainty | Assessment consultation can kick-start a therapeutic process |
Not what I learned in school | ||