Suicide within a day of discharge - failure of risk assessment?

Author(s): Viinamaki, H.

Journal/Book: Nord J Psychiatr. 1998; 52: PO Box 2959 Toyen, Journal Division, Customer Service, N-0608 Oslo, Norway. Scandinavian University Press. 15-21.

Abstract: Five suicides committed within a day of discharge from a psychiatric hospital between 1991 and 1994 in the province of Kuopio, Finland, are described. The suicides occurred when psychiatric services in the region were being reorganized and when there also was great pressure for reductions in the number of psychiatric beds and for changes in the nature of psychiatric inpatient treatment. Common to all cases was a possible neglect of individual clinical assessment and consequent underestimation of the severity of the patients' symptoms. The case histories also suggest that internal and external pressures on treatment communities and staff can result in problems relating to basic clinical tasks. Careful individual examination and appropriate treatment based on the results of such examination continue to be of the utmost importance in preventing suicides among psychiatric patients.

Note: Article Hintikka J, Kuopio Univ Hosp, Dept Psychiat, POB 1777, FIN-70211 Kuopio, FINLAND

Keyword(s): patient discharge; psychiatric hospital; suicide; AFTER-DISCHARGE; INPATIENT; CARE; PREVENTION; PREDICTION; DEPRESSION; PATIENT

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