title: Early psycho-social assessment of overdose patients in a casualty department.
abstract: In response to the very large number of patients presenting at the Casualty Department of the Alfred Hospital, Melbouren, following suicidal acts, a Psycho-Social Assessment Clinic employing a crisis intervention model was established in 1970. This communication outlines the structure and functions of the Clinic, describes 100 consecutive new patients seen over a four month period in 1974 and emphasises the benefits to both patients and hospital arising from the operation of such a Clinic.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D002648:Child; D004637:Emergency Services, Psychiatric; D005260:Female; D006769:Hospitals, General; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services; D008875:Middle Aged; D011041:Poisoning / Q000523:psychology*; D013406:Suicide, Attempted