An audit of suicide attempt admissions over a four-year period in a UK Major Trauma Centre. (April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shepherd, Laura
• Is Part Of: Trauma. Volume 20:Number 2(2018:Apr.)
• Page Start: 94
• Page End: 99
• Publication Date: 2018-04
• Subjects: Suicide -- self-harm -- major trauma -- psychiatric -- mental health; Traumatology -- Periodicals; Disaster medicine -- Periodicals; Wounds and injuries -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 617.1
• DOI: 10.1177/1460408617704864
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1460-4086

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.