Working with suicide: Evaluating gaps in training provision.

This article examines clinicians’ perspectives on working with suicide risk within a UK National Health Service (NHS) mental health setting, aiming to identify their concerns and support needs to inform future training and professional development. Through focus groups involving 367 clinicians between 2017 and 2020, seven key themes emerged: assessment abilities, experiences after a suicide, clinical responsibility, decision-making capability, actions following suicidal disclosure, guidance regarding suicide, and personal views. Findings highlight that while competence in suicide risk assessment is essential, clinicians also require emotional resilience and supportive workplace structures to manage the significant emotional impact and anxiety associated with suicidality. The study suggests integrating resilience-building strategies, such as reflective practice and emotional self-awareness, into training programs to enhance clinician confidence and well-being.