The experience of being in acute emergency care following an overdose with suicidal intent: A hermeneutic phenomenological study

Introduction: Nurses working within Emergency Departments are frequently required to care for individuals impacted by suicidal behaviour.

Literature review: Published research into the experience of such individuals in emergency care, is limited. Studies identified do not distinguish between self-harming and suicidal behaviour and do not reveal the lived experience in depth.

Aim and methodology: This research reveals the lived experience of being in emergency care following an overdose with suicidal intent, through the collection of data while patients are still in hospital. Sixteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients on a medical admission ward. The research uses an interpretive hermeneutic phenomenological approach.

Analysis: A thematic analysis indicated six key themes: The fear of death and dying, The hospital - a place of safety, Loved ones a reason to live, Feelings of hopelessness, Eclipsed as a suicidal patient, and the Impact of human relationships.

Discussion: The findings are discussed and contextualized within wider literature: The fear of death, hopelessness, the role of stigma and shame, including anticipatory stigma, and the impact of kindness and relationships. Implications for practice are outlined, informing how care can be enhanced by nursing staff.