The Impact of Patient Suicidal Behavior on the Personal and Professional Well-Being of Mental Health Providers: A Systematic Review

This systematic review aimed to provide a synthesis of the evidence on the impact of adult patient suicidal behavior on the personal and professional well-being of mental health providers. A total of 20 quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods studies were included for review and narrative synthesis. Findings showed that patient suicidal behavior has a significant impact on different domains of personal well-being and professional practice of mental health providers. Specific categories of factors such as personal factors, role-related factors, organizational factors, relational factors (with the patient) and factors related to the incidence of the suicidal behavior are associated with experiencing increased impact. The intensity, duration and extent of this impact is not universal. Organizations should endeavor to move from generalized or standardized responses to the event such as case reviews, to more person-centered approaches where the mental health provider is supported flexibly based on their level of need. Public Health Significance Statement Patient suicidal behavior is a challenging experience faced by mental health providers. This review showed that patient suicidal behavior has a significant impact on different domains of personal well-being and professional practice of mental health providers. Key categories of vulnerability factors appear to be responsible for experiencing differentiating levels of personal and professional impact. Going forward organizations should consider adopting more person-centered approaches where the individual mental health provider is supported flexibly based on their level of need.