Prevention and postvention strategies of the suicide: Study with professionals of a Center of Psychosocial Attention

Abstract

Suicide is considered a public health problem that has been debated worldwide. In Brazil, the South region has been highlighted with high rates of suicide, alerting professionals and researchers on the subject. The study objected to investigate the development of suicide prevention and postvention strategies in a Centro de Atenção Psicossocial (CAPS). Specifically, we sought to verify the actions performed regarding the assistance to subjects who have conceived, tried or committed suicide, as well as assistance to their families, besides investigating the perceptions of the CAPS professionals about suicide. An exploratory case study was carried out. Five CAPS professionals were interviewed, and the data were analyzed based on the Qualitative Content Analysis. The professionals talked about strategies for suicide management, citing the importance of networking and teamwork, humanized care and family care. They also reported feelings that indicate suffering and empathy. A technical planning model was developed illustrating strategies for the prevention and postvention of suicide. Finally, it becomes clear that public policies must have intervention strategies in relation to suicide prevention and postvention suicide, valuing and qualifying health professionals.

Keywords: Suicide, primary prevention, public health