Pediatric Residents’ Experiences With Suicidal PatientsImplications for Training

The increased prevalence of attempted and completed suicide in childhood and adolescence, combined with recent emphasis on secondary prevention by primary care physicians, underscores the need for effective training of pediatricians and other primary care providers in assessment of suicidal risk. It is probable that psychiatrists will play a leading role in this training. This descriptive study uses interview data from a unique cohort of 19 graduating pediatric residents from 2 programs to document qualitative and quantitative aspects of their clinical experience with suicidal children and adolescents. The implications of these findings for those involved in resident training are discussed in light of pertinent literature.