Health Care Professional Experiences and Opinions on Depression and Suicide in People With Diabetes

Objective: People with diabetes have an increased risk of depression, intentional self-injury and self-harm (ISI), and suicide compared with the general population. This study aimed to explore experiences and awareness of health care professionals (HCPs) regarding depression, ISI, and suicide, and understand resource use and needs among HCPs who care for persons with diabetes (PWD). Methods: Health care professionals who see children and/or adults with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes anonymously completed an online survey about their experiences, opinions, barriers, and needs surrounding identification and care of PWD with depression, ISI, and suicide. Results: One hundred twenty-nine HCPs participated. The majority were medical doctors (MDs) or advanced practice providers (APPs). Only a quarter of MDs and APPs felt very comfortable asking about ISI or suicidal ideation (SI), whereas 20% felt they had received appropriate training to support those with ISI or SI. The primary needs reported include more training on how to ask, respond, and support those expressing ISI and SI. Health care professionals reported wanting better access to resources for PWD. Discussion: The HCPs tend to underestimate SI in the diabetes population and rates of training were low. Areas to address include providing education and training to HCPs to improve identification and management of ISI and suicide risk. These data can inform the development of mechanisms to improve discussions of depression and suicide and of resources to help HCPs support PWD.

Automated summary

People with diabetes have a higher risk of depression, intentional self-injury, and suicide. This study investigates the experiences and awareness of healthcare professionals (HCPs) regarding these issues, as well as their resource needs. A survey was conducted with 129 HCPs who care for individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The results show that a majority of HCPs feel uncomfortable asking about self-injury or suicidal ideation and lack appropriate training. They express a need for more training on how to address these issues and better access to resources for patients with diabetes.