Framework: Supporting Mental Health staff following the death of a patient by suicide

Royal College of Psychiatrists published this prevention and postvention framework to support mental health staff following the death of a patient by suicide. The death of a patient by suicide can have a profound effect on the clinicians who have been involved in their care. The consequences of this distress can include burnout, mental health problems, not progressing with training and in some cases, leaving the mental health sector. Staff support following a death of this nature varies widely across organisations. Some staff
report feeling prepared and well-supported, whilst others describe feeling blamed or even scapegoated by the organisation employing them.