Healthcare Professional Experiences and Opinions on Depression and Suicide in People With Diabetes.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-2024
Identifier
DOI: 10.1177/19322968231171616
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: People with diabetes have an increased risk of depression, intentional self-injury and self-harm (ISI), and suicide compared with the general population. This study aimed to explore experiences and awareness of healthcare professionals (HCPs) regarding depression, ISI, and suicide, and understand resource use and needs among HCPs who care for persons with diabetes (PWD).
METHODS: Healthcare professionals who see children and/or adults with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes anonymously completed an online survey about their experiences, opinions, barriers, and needs surrounding identification and care of PWD with depression, ISI, and suicide.
RESULTS: One hundred twenty-nine HCPs participated. The majority were medical doctors (MDs) or advanced practice providers (APPs). Only a quarter of MDs and APPs felt very comfortable asking about ISI or suicidal ideation (SI), whereas 20% felt they had received appropriate training to support those with ISI or SI. The primary needs reported include more training on how to ask, respond, and support those expressing ISI and SI. Healthcare professionals reported wanting better access to resources for PWD.
DISCUSSION: The HCPs tend to underestimate SI in the diabetes population and rates of training were low. Areas to address include providing education and training to HCPs to improve identification and management of ISI and suicide risk. These data can inform the development of mechanisms to improve discussions of depression and suicide and of resources to help HCPs support PWD.
Journal Title
J Diabetes Sci Technol
Volume
18
Issue
3
First Page
667
Last Page
675
MeSH Keywords
Humans; Male; Depression; Female; Adult; Attitude of Health Personnel; Health Personnel; Suicide; Middle Aged; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Surveys and Questionnaires; Suicidal Ideation; Self-Injurious Behavior
Keywords
depression; suicidal ideation; suicide; type 1 diabetes; type 2 diabetes
Recommended Citation
Majidi S, Cohen L, Holt RIG, et al. Healthcare Professional Experiences and Opinions on Depression and Suicide in People With Diabetes. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2024;18(3):667-675. doi:10.1177/19322968231171616
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