@article{ref1,
title="Postdischarge behavioral health treatment and 6-month reattempt rate for veterans hospitalized for suicide attempt",
journal="Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association",
year="2015",
author="Bernet, Alice C.",
volume="21",
number="3",
pages="212-222",
abstract="BACKGROUND: The highest risk for suicide occurs immediately after psychiatric discharge. The U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs' (VA) suicide prevention program emphasizes suicide surveillance and frequent contact after suicide attempt. <br><br>OBJECTIVES: To describe the 6-month reattempt rate and appointment characteristics for veterans after VA hospitalization for suicide attempt. <br><br>DESIGN: This retrospective observational study identified veterans hospitalized for suicide attempt (N = 504). Comparisons of patient characteristics and treatment delivery were conducted between veteran groups. <br><br>RESULTS: The sample (N = 504) was predominantly White (82%) and male (91%), with a median age of 50 years. The 6-month reattempt rate was 6%. Timing of first appointment was earlier in the reattempt group (n = 20) versus the no-reattempt group (n = 467). Appointment intensity, especially telephone appointments, was greater in the reattempt group. <br><br>CONCLUSION: The effect of postdischarge treatment on preventing suicide cannot be determined by evaluating only treatment timing and intensity. Future studies should measure the treatment quality and clinical severity.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1078-3903",
doi="10.1177/1078390315592130",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1078390315592130"
}