There is a growing body of evidence about the significant impact the homicide by a patient can have on clinicians. This is very hard to talk about and as a result there is very limited systemic recognition or support. This has significant consequences for patient care, the clinicians affected, the employing organisations and mental health care provision over all. The result can be: emotional distress, mental health problems, career change, early retirement, media interest and professional sanctions. Being impacted in this way can also make open hearted engagement with patients harder.
This presentation will focus on this issue and aims to start discourse, raise awareness and develop appropriate responses to these kinds of traumatic events.
We will share research and our own personal experiences with the intention of promoting understanding. We hope this presentation will contribute to a change in culture where instead of feeling isolated, clinicians can feel supported by a healthier and more compassionate mental health system.
This presentation has been organised by the RCPsych’s Working Group on the Effect of Suicide and Homicide on Clinicians
This session aims to:
- Raise awareness of the wide ranging impact of patient homicide on clinicians.
- Develop open discourse in this area.
- Mitigate the effects of trauma and contribute to post traumatic growth.
- Further develop guidance and resources to help clinicians after these events.
Chair: Rachel Gibbons, Chair, RCPsych Working Group on the Effect of Suicide and Homicide on Clinicians, United Kingdom
Smita Pandit, Oxford health, United Kingdom
Helen Killaspy, University College London, United Kingdom
Philipa Greenfield, Camden and Islington Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
Nisha Shah, Camden and Islington Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
