Citation

Salter A, Pielage P. Emerg. Med. (ACEM-ASEM) 2000; 12(3): 198-203.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2000, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1046/j.1442-2026.2000.00140.x

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The aims of the study were to determine whether emergency departments in Tasmania were managing patients at risk of suicide adequately, and to identify factors that may help to prevent suicide in patients who present to an emergency department.

METHOD: Retrospective review of case notes of patients who had presented to Tasmanian public hospitals and were on a Coroner's list as having committed suicide in Tasmania 1995-1997 (n = 196).

RESULTS: This descriptive analysis of a population showed 58.7% had presented to an emergency department. Psychiatric problems were common. On the last emergency department presentation prior to death, 36.5% were admitted, with 95% of these having an admission for drug and alcohol or psychiatric problems.

CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients seen prior to death with suicide risk were correctly identified by emergency department staff and appropriately referred. Single-vehicle motor vehicle accident victims and patients who present on multiple occasions with psychiatric or drug and alcohol problems are at risk.

Language: en

Keywords

adult; alcoholism; article; Australia; female; human; major clinical study; male; mental disease; Multiple presentations; priority journal; retrospective study; risk factor; Risk factors; Single-vehicle motor vehicle accidents; suicidal behavior; suicide; Suicide; traffic accident