Assessing knowledge, attitudes, and practices of emergency department staff towards patients with suicidal behaviors in Pakistan

The study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices of Emergency Department staff towards patients with suicidal behaviors at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi Pakistan. An online survey found that majority of respondents were unaware of the law regarding suicide and self-harm (SH) in Pakistan. Majority had not received any specific training in management of suicidal patients. About 50 % of doctors and 16 % of nurses felt that SH patients are treated ‘less seriously than patients with medical problems.’ Institutional policy on management and pathway to care for suicidal patients should be disseminated and monitored for its implications in clinical practice.