Patient Homicide Resources
Resources for Clinicians Following a Patient Perpetrated Homicide
There is marked paucity of research in the area of the impact of patient-related homicide on clinicians.
RCP Support Page
A section on the RCP website which has been created to support psychiatrists during the difficult time when a patient under their care has perpetrated a homicide.
01
Most mental health professionals will experience a patient-related homicide at least once in their career.
02
Patient-related homicide has significant emotional and clinical impact on clinicians, including: loss of confidence in professional skills and the ability to accurately assess risk, leading to anxiety about making clinical decisions
03
feelings of depression, anxiety, guilt and responsibility, shame, and self-doubt
04
professional and personal isolation, including experiences of scapegoating, are common
05
negative impact on relationships with other members of staff.
College Report
RCP College Report
There is marked paucity of research in the area of the impact of patient-related homicide on clinicians.