Concerns most important to parents after their child's suicide attempt: A pilot study and collaboration with a rural mental health facility.

PROBLEM

Little is known of the needs of parents after their child has made a suicide attempt. The goal of this research was to create and pilot an acceptable and effective survey for parents whose child has made a suicide attempt so that their needs and concerns are known.

METHOD

The Social-Ecological Model was used as a framework to better understand the problem of adolescent suicide from the parent perspective. Collaboration with interdisciplinary staff at a rural mental health facility in the United States occurred to create and pilot the survey tool with content and practice experts validating the survey questions.

FINDINGS

Five parents completed the pilot survey. Results showed that parents have unmet needs after their child's suicide attempt; reporting the need to ensure safety for their child and the need for understanding how to help their child. Parents stated interest in attending a focus group to discuss their needs and noted transportation and childcare being primary barriers to attending a focus group.

CONCLUSION

Results from this research will inform the planning focus groups of parents whose child has made suicide attempt.