Outpatient treatment engagement after suicidal attempt: A multicentre prospective study

Abstract

Introduction

Most suicide attempters are referred to community health professionals (CHP) after discharge from emergency department (ED). Thereafter, outpatient treatment engagement (OTE) is often poor. Strengthening it seems likely to reduce the risk of repeat suicidal behaviour.

Objectives

To identify the predictive factors of OTE.

Methods

Multicentre prospective study in true life conducted in adult patients (≥18) in 4 EDs of the Southern Paris region. Patients were referred to CHP. OTE was assessed by telephone calls at 1 and 3 months. OTE at 1 month was defined as having booked 1 appointment; OTE at 3 months as having attended 2 appointments and booked another one.

Results

One hundred and fifty-five patients were assessed at 1 month and 144 at 3 months. OTE at 1 and 3 months was observed in 58% and 51% respectively. A multivariate analysis showed factors significantly predictive of OTE at 1 month: a psychiatric follow-up before the suicide attempt (SA), ≥2 psychiatric interviews during the stay at ED, appointment with CHP booked before discharge from the ED; and at 3 months: college or university education, absence of alcohol intake during the SA, psychiatric follow-up before the SA, appointment with CHP booked before discharge from the ED.

Conclusions

This multicentre prospective study highlights the benefit of booking outpatient appointment before discharge from ED; of allowing patient to benefit from at least two psychiatric interviews; of being particularly cautious with patients who took alcohol concomitantly to their SA, patients with low level of academic achievement and patients without psychiatric follow-up.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.