People experiencing self-harm and suicidal behaviour often present to primary care to seek help. In fact, 80% of those who die by suicide contact primary care in the year (even months) prior to the suicide.1 We know from our work2 and that of others,3 that GPs are a trusted and valued source for help-seeking among those who are at risk of suicide.
Suicide prevention remains, however, a challenge for primary care with many GPs citing constraints including time pressures, lack of training and resources, and lack of clear and effective care pathways.4 Managing risk in primary care, with little input from other professionals or agencies, is an ongoing concern for many GPs. As one GP I recently spoke to …