Citation

Clarke T, Baker P, Watts CJ, Williams K, Feldman RA, Sherr L. J. Ment. Health 2002; 11(2): 167-176.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, Informa Healthcare)

DOI

10.1080/09638230020023561-1

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The Accident & Emergency Department is an important gateway to psychiatric nursing services for patients presenting following deliberate self-harm. To date, there are few systematic assessments of such services. Aims: To compare routine management enhanced by nurse-led case management with routine management only.

METHOD: Randomised controlled trial.

RESULTS: It was estimated that 20% of the study population were likely to be readmitted to A&E within 12 months of the index episode following a subsequent episode of self-harm. A power analysis determined that to show a statistically significant 50% reduction in this rate a minimum sample size of 438 was required. Four hundred and sixty-seven patients were identified over a 12-month period: 220 were allocated to the intervention group and 247 to the comparison group. One hundred and seven (49%) of eligible patients received the intervention being evaluated. Overall, readmission rates did not vary between the intervention group (9%) and the comparison group (10%).

CONCLUSIONS: The intervention did not result in a significant reduction in the readmission rate overall. Declaration of interest: Funded by the participating health authority.

Language: en

Keywords

adult; article; clinical trial; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; female; hospital admission; human; intermethod comparison; major clinical study; male; medical care; mental health care; nursing; patient care; randomized controlled trial; suicidal behavior; suicide; treatment outcome