Citation

Shepherd L. Trauma (Sage) 2018; 20(2): 94-99.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1460408617704864

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Some admissions to UK Major Trauma Centres are due to suicide attempts.

METHODS: An audit of suicide attempt admissions to a UK Major Trauma Centre was conducted to explore frequency and trends in admissions, demographic variables and mechanisms of injuries, referrals to and outcomes of Liaison Psychiatry during admission and whether patients had been known to mental health services prior to admission. Data were analysed retrospectively from the TARN database.

RESULTS: Over a four-year period, 91 admissions due to suicide attempts were recorded. Admissions appeared to be increasing, from 1.4% in 2012 to 2.2% in 2015. Admissions were most common in males and patients in the 20-29 year age range, although admissions in the 30-39 years age range had particularly increased over the time period studied. Jumping from heights was the most common mechanism of injury, followed by self-stabbings. The majority (86%) survived their injuries. Around half of the local patients were not known to a mental health service at the time of their suicide attempt. In around a fifth who survived their injuries, no referral for a psychiatric assessment had been made. Outcomes of psychiatric assessments included referrals to mental health services, talking therapy or other support in a substantial proportion. Around a quarter was considered safe for discharge with no further mental health follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS: Suicide attempt admissions to UK Major Trauma Centres may be increasing, and regular audits regarding this should be undertaken. The need for appropriate psychiatric input during admission is essential, and training in mental health and suicide for staff working in MTCs is likely to be important. © 2017, © The Author(s) 2017.

Language: en

Keywords

adolescent; adult; human; age; mental health; Suicide; female; male; aged; major trauma; safety; survival rate; psychotherapy; United Kingdom; self-harm; sex difference; mortality; traffic accident; suicide attempt; hospitalization; treatment outcome; hanging; psychiatric; major clinical study; controlled study; retrospective study; hospital admission; psychologic assessment; pathophysiology; automutilation; mental health service; patient referral; lifespan; intensive care; follow up; demography; high risk patient; data analysis; Glasgow coma scale; Article; health center; body height; trend study; very elderly; clinical audit; self inflicted eye trauma; self stabbing; talking therapy