ExSEED
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Experiences of Suicidality Care in the Emergency Department
IRAS ID
344245
Contact name
Rosie Stenhouse
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 31 days
Research summary
It is estimated between 5 - 20% of all attendances to Emergency Departments (EDs) are people seeking help primarily due to mental health needs. Reports indicate there is a lack of resources of time, staff and suitable environments to provide adequate care and this can result in negative experiences of care and poor outcomes.
This study aims to explore the care that people experience by conducting interviews with volunteers from the ED in Edinburgh. The study will select both NHS patients and NHS nursing or medical staff to take part in the interviews. This will include people aged over 18 who present to the ED primarily with features of suicidality - this being defined as those who have suicidal ideation or behaviours (such as overdoses, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts). People who attend primarily for other reasons but have a history of suicidality or disclose features of suicidality during their visit will not be included due to the alternative care pathways they may receive.
Participants will be approached whilst in the ED and provided with further information if interested, and interviews will be conducted post-discharge via the participants preferred method (telephone, video call or in-person).
The data collected during the interviews will be analysed through reflexive thematic analysis to identify common themes and identify areas that will inform future research on potential interventions for positive change.
REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 1
REC reference
25/ES/0006
Date of REC Opinion
4 Mar 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion