The accident and emergency department management of deliberate self-poisoning.
Consecutive attenders (525) presenting at the Nottingham Accident and Emergency (A & E) department with deliberate self-poisoning were identified retrospectively. Their case-notes were examined for patient characteristics and clinical management. The Nottingham Psychiatric Case Register was examined for previous contact and use of psychiatric services over a 2-year follow-up period. Significant differences were found between those patients admitted to a ward and those who returned home from the A & E Department, in respect of likelihood of psychiatric morbidity and use of psychiatric services. One in three self-poisoning patients returns home directly from the accident department, and there seemed to be appropriate selection.
Owens
D W
DW
Mapperley Hospital, Nottingham.
Jones
S J
SJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D011041:Poisoning / Q000628:therapy*; D012008:Recurrence; D012737:Sex Factors; D013406:Suicide, Attempted; D013997:Time Factors