Safe clinical practice for patients hospitalised in mental health wards during a suicidal crisis: a qualitative study of patient experiences

Aim The aim of this study was to explore suicidal patients’ experiences of safe clinical practice during hospitalisation in mental healthcare. The study was guided by the following research question: How do suicidal patients experience safe clinical practice during hospitalisation in mental health wards? Design, setting and participants A qualitative design with semi-structured individual interviews was applied. Eighteen patients hospitalised with suicidal behaviour in specialised mental healthcare for adults at a Norwegian hospital participated in the study. Data were analysed thematically and inductively using qualitative content analysis. Results Patients in a suicidal crisis experienced safe clinical care in mental health wards characterised by the following three themes: (1) being detected by mindful healthcare professionals, (2) receiving tailor-made treatment and (3) being protected by adaptive practice. Conclusion This study illuminates the experiences of safe clinical practice for patients in a suicidal crisis. The patient group was multifaceted with fluctuating suicidal behaviour, which highlights the importance of embracing personalised activities. Safe clinical practice needs to recognise rather than efface patients’ variability. Strengths and limitations of this study • This study used qualitative interviews to provide rich and variable in-depth data of inpatients with suicidal behaviour, which is an under-researched group. • Patient experience consultants were involved in the design of the study. • The study results are suitable for conceptual development of safe clinical practice for suicidal patients. • The patient sample provided rich variability regarding diagnoses, symptom/function level, sex, number of previous hospital admissions and compulsory/voluntary admissions. • The qualitative methodological approach is not suited for assessing the effects of interventions.