Table 3 Themes and sub-themes derived from the focus group and individual interviews

Using expertise to make sense of suicidal behaviour

Setting aside the forms and checklists to prioritise trust

Making judgement based on more than patients’ spoken words

Improving understanding by seeking others’ perspectives

Individualising the therapeutic milieu

Creating individual clinical pathways

Making trade-offs between under- and over-protection

Adjusting observations

Managing uncertainty

Building mutual collegial trust and support

Creating a shared understanding