Citation

Bernet AC. J. Am. Psychiatr. Nurs. Assoc. 2015; 21(3): 212-222.

Affiliation

Alice C. Bernet, PhD, RN, PMHNP-BC, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Nashville, TN, USA alice.c.bernet@vanderbilt.edu.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, American Psychiatric Nurses Association, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1078390315592130

PMID

26092749

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.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the 6-month reattempt rate and appointment characteristics for veterans after VA hospitalization for suicide attempt.

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.

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.

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.

Language: en