Background The suicide process is a complex and uniquely individual phenomenon. The need to understand and bring meaning to individual experiences of suicide is burgeoning amidst the growing global impacts of suicide. Qualitative case-study research uses multiple forms of evidence to investigate a phenomenon in a certain context.

Aim To present critical reflections on the lead author’s doctoral project, which uses a case-study design to investigate people who have experience of suicide and are educating preregistration nurses on clinical placement.

Discussion The lead author reflects critically on, and provides insights into, adopting the qualitative case-study methodology for suicide research, including: defining the role of the researcher; the appropriate use of methods of collecting data; and ensuring participants are safe. Reflexivity played an important role in ensuring the participants’ and the lead author’s well-being throughout the project, and the authors posit it as a central strategy in future research.

Conclusion Qualitative case-study research is a novel approach to suicide research that aligns with global suicide prevention frameworks and includes people’s experiences in the formation of policies, design of interventions and education. Reflection should be a central strategy in such research.

Implications for practice Suicide research requires careful consideration and planning at every stage. Researchers must plan and evaluate participants’ safety, the role of the researcher and data collection methods before, during and after the research.