An Integrative Review: Assessing Family Practice Providers Level of Confidence in Assessing, Managing, and Treating Suicidal Adults

Abstract

Suicide is the fifth leading cause of death in Alaska and continues to be a public health crisis that is disproportionate to the population. Primary care providers (PCP) are at the front line of suicide prevention, which includes assessment, management, and treatment of severely depressed patients. The literature supports that PCPs as having the most frequent contact with those at risk for suicide in comparison to other types of health care providers. This reinforces the necessity of PCPs to be confident in their suicide assessment, management, and treatment skills. An appraisal of current evidence revealed that when suicide intervention education is inadequate or absent providers demonstrate a decreased level of confidence in their ability. The purpose of this integrative review was to assess PCPs confidence levels associated with suicide prevention. An extensive literature review concluded that there is a direct link between suicide education and training, and PCP confidence level. The results of the review also identified that with increased education and training, PCP can confidently assess, manage, and treat suicide. This integrative review highlighted the need for practice change by providing PCPs the necessary skills to treat and prevent suicide