Citation

Mehlum L, Jørgensen T, Diep LM, Nrugham L. Arch. Suicide Res. 2010; 14(2): 171-181.

Affiliation

National Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, Institute of Psychiatry, University of Oslo, Sognsvannsveien 21, Oslo, Norway. lars.mehlum@medisin.uio.no

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, International Academy of Suicide Research, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13811111003704811

PMID

20455152

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine predictors for readmissions in patients admitted to a general hospital emergency ward for suicide attempts before and after organizational changes potentially affecting the chain of care. Socio-demographic and clinical variables were collected by clinicians from 1997 thru 2007. Data from the periods before and after 2004--when the hospital changed its catchment area--were compared. A substantial increase in readmission rates in the period after the organizational change was observed. This increase was not associated with any of the socio-demographic or clinical patient characteristics. Although no causal connection can be inferred, the observed association between organizational change and readmission rates could indicate that established post-discharge care systems for suicide attempters may be vulnerable to such change.

Language: en