The management of patients with an advance decision and suicidal behaviour: A systematic review

Abstract

Background: The use of advance care planning and advance decisions for psychiatric care is growing. However, there is limited guidance on clinical management when a patient presents with suicidal behaviour and an advance decision and no systematic reviews of the extant literature.

Objectives: To synthesise existing literature on the management of advance decisions and suicidal behaviour.

Design: A systematic search of 7 bibliographic databases was conducted to identify studies relating to advance decisions and suicidal behaviour. Studies on terminal illness or end of life care were excluded to focus on the use of advance decisions in the context of suicidal behaviour. A textual synthesis of data was conducted and themes were identified by using an adapted thematic framework analysis approach.

Results: Overall 634 articles were identified, of which 35 were retained for full text screening. Fifteen relevant articles were identified following screening. Those articles pertained to actual clinical cases or fictional scenarios. Clinical practice and rationale for management decisions varied. Five themes were identified: 1) tension between patient autonomy and protecting a vulnerable person, 2) appropriateness of advance decisions for suicidal behaviour, 3) uncertainty about the application of legislation, 4) the length of time needed to consider all the evidence vs. rapid decision-making for treatment, and 5) importance of seeking support and sharing decision-making.

Conclusions: Advance decisions present particular challenges for clinicians when associated with suicidal behaviour. Recommendations for practice and supervision for clinicians may help to reduce the variation in clinical practice.