Citation

Huisman A, Kerkhof AJ. Tijdschr. Psychiatr. 2008; 50(4): 197-203.

Vernacular Title

Preventie van suicide na ontslag uit klinische opname: een inventarisatie.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Uitgeverij de Tijdstroom)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

18398799

Abstract

BACKGROUND: BACKGROUND: Research has shown that the first months after discharge from psychiatric inpatient care is a high risk period for suicide. However, there has been very little research into the prevention policies that mental health care centres pursue in order to reduce this risk. AIM: To draw up an inventory of the preventive activities that mental health services undertake to reduce the risk of suicide by psychiatric patients discharged from inpatient treatment. METHOD: Fifteen mental health care providers of 10 different departments of 4 mental health care organisations in the province North-Holland were asked in a personal interview about the policy of their institution regarding the prevention of suicide after discharge. results One out of 10 locations had a standard policy for the prevention of suicide after discharge from psychiatric care. Four locations had an informal policy and 5 an ad hoc policy. Differences were found in the views of mental health care providers regarding suicide prevention and the responsibility of mental health care centres for the prevention of post-discharge suicide. CONCLUSION: Only half of the mental health institutions employed a preventive policy with regard to post-discharge suicide. So far, the possibilities for prevention have not been fully utilised.

Language: nl