Exploring parent support needs during and after adolescent suicide crisis emergency department visits – A qualitative investigation

Background Adolescents are the age cohort most likely to attend an emergency department for suicide crisis, often accompanied by a parent. Parents have reported feeling as though they are not appropriately supported to provide the critical life sustaining care their adolescent needs after discharge from the emergency department. This study sought to understand what types of support parents need as a result of the emergency department presentation. Method Semi-structured, online interviews were conducted between February and May 2023. Individuals were eligible to participate if they were parents (biological, step, or adoptive) of adolescents (12–18 years old) who had attended an Australian emergency department for suicide crisis since January 2018. Data was analysed via reflexive thematic analysis. Results Twenty biological parents participated in interviews (average age: 46.9 years). Reflexive thematic analysis indicated there were three domains of support parents’ desired: 1) information about, and active involvement in, the emergency department care, 2) information about how to keep their adolescent safe and support recovery, and 3) tools to support parents’ own wellbeing. Conclusions These findings provide a preliminary outline of the support parents need and what resources may need to be developed to educate and support parents, which could be integrated into the emergency department procedures. Improving the way in which parents are supported to care for their adolescent may help reduce recurrent incidents of adolescent suicide attempts.