Understanding Suicide Grief and Recovery at Work: Helping Staff Cope through Effective Postvention Efforts with Dr. Ruth Riley | Ep. 40

Join us as Dr. Ruth Riley delves into the sensitive topic of workplace suicide postvention. In this crucial discussion, we explore the support systems and guidance established to help staff cope after the suicide of a colleague. Discover vital insights and resources, including the NHS Suicide Postvention Guidance and the poignant film 'After Them,' which portrays the experiences of three NHS staff members during such difficult times. Read the NHS Postvention Guidance here and watch 'After Them'.

This structure provides clarity and engages the audience by directly addressing the topic and offering additional resources for deeper understanding.

More about Dr. Kayla Follmer

Dr. Ruth Riley is an applied medical sociologist and qualitative methodologist. Her research employs qualitative and interdisciplinary approaches to explore the contexts and causes of distress and suicidality among healthcare professionals. This includes examining workplace injustices, working conditions, and cultures that contribute to their distress. Her work challenges the neoliberal individualized approaches that often pathologize NHS staff, focusing instead on the occupational, political, systemic, and cultural contexts that impact the emotional and psychological health of these individuals.

Dr. Riley's earlier research investigated the contributing factors to distress among general practitioners and junior doctors. More recently, her research project examined the impact of NHS staff suicides on their colleagues and teams. This pivotal study led to the development of the first evidence-based postvention guidance for the NHS.

Takeaways

  • Organizational preparedness and compassionate leadership are key to delivering effective postvention.

  • Implementing timely, effective postvention support to staff impacted is protective.

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