Suicide among healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, remains a significant concern both in Scotland and internationally. The RESUME study, alongside key partners like the Healthy Working Lives Group and the Occupational Health Suicide Prevention and Research Network, is working to shed light on this critical issue. This page provides an overview of the research context, emerging evidence, and national policy responses shaping our work.

HWLG — Healthy Working Lives Group

The Healthy Working Lives Group is based at the University of Glasgow under the leadership of Professor Ewan Macdonald. Dr Simon Walker joined the group in 2021, bringing extensive expertise in qualitative research and suicidology. Since then, Simon has advanced new research into suicide and occupation, with an initial focus on nursing and the military.

OHSPRN — Occupational Health Suicide Prevention and Research Network

The Occupational Health Suicide Prevention and Research Network (OHSPRN) is dedicated to understanding suicide through research and engagement. The network actively supports the RESUME study through partnerships and shared research interests.

Suicide Research

In 2020, a study from San Diego concluded:

“Female nurses have been at greater risk since 2005 and males since 2011.”

While this data does not reflect an overall rise in suicide, it indicates that nurse suicide has been an unaddressed issue for years in the U.S.

Professor Keith Hawton, from Oxford’s Centre for Suicide Research, stated in a 2023 publication:

“The limited evidence regarding prevention measures indicates a major need to develop primary and secondary interventions for this at-risk occupational group; for example, education regarding enhancing wellbeing and safe alcohol use, alongside accessible psychological and peer support.”

Suicide in Scotland

In Scotland, the occurrence and prevention of suicide remain areas of significant concern and action. The latest statistics show:

• 762 probable suicides in 2022, a small increase from 753 in 2021.
• This reflects a decrease from 805 deaths recorded in 2020, indicating fluctuations in recent years.

Suicide Policy in Scotland

The Scottish Government and COSLA (Convention of Scottish Local Authorities) have developed and implemented a comprehensive suicide prevention strategy titled “Creating Hope Together.”

• The strategy covers 2022 to 2032 and includes an action plan for 2022 to 2025.
• Its vision is to reduce suicide deaths in Scotland while addressing the inequalities that contribute to suicide.
• The approach focuses on ramping up prevention efforts and tackling social factors and inequalities linked to suicide risk.

Looking Ahead

Understanding why nurses are at higher risk of suicide is the first step toward changing it. The RESUME project, along with partners across Scotland and beyond, is working hard to find solutions. Together, we’re building knowledge, shaping better policies, and giving nurses a stronger voice. Our goal is simple: to help save the lives of those who save ours.