The number of SAs and intervention plans completed
during the pilot study are shown in Table 2.
From this table, it can be seen that the basic and
advanced SA and intervention plans were not
completed by all nurses. The reasons nurses mentioned
for not applying the guideline were positive
symptoms of schizophrenia and low verbal intelligence
of the patients, which hindered communication.
Furthermore, the nurses thought it better to refrain from assessing suicidality when patients were
focusing on rehabilitation (e.g., restoring independent
living, employment, study).
During the interviews, nurses indicated that the
patients’ responses to application of the guideline
were very positive. Although speaking about their
suicidality had not been easy for the patients (more
than once they reacted emotionally to the questions),
they expressed appreciation for having been given
the opportunity to talk about suicidality and related
issues. One patient responded that it was the first
time someone had asked about suicidal thoughts, and
that he had found it difficult to bring up the issue
himself.
Seventeen of the participating nurses filled in
the questionnaire after the pilot study. Table 1
shows their responses (average ratings and standard
deviation). The remainder of the results of the
pilot study are described in relation to the topic areas
that were covered by the questionnaire. Where applicable,
average questionnaire ratings are indicated in
the text.