The Psychiatrist (2001) 25: 212-214. doi: 10.1192/pb.25.6.212
© 2001 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
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Psychiatric Bulletin (2001) 25: 212-214
© 2001 The Royal College of Psychiatrists

Introducing a nurse-led deliberate self-harm assessment service

Gill Griffin, Specialist Nurse

Dual Diagnosis, Whitchurch Hospital, Cardiff CF4 7XB

Jonathan I. Bisson, Consultant Liaison Psychiatrist

Monmouth House, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff CF4 4XN

Correspondence: e-mail: BissonJI{at}cardiff.ac.uk

AIMS AND METHOD

This study considered patients admitted to hospital following deliberate self-poisoning. The characteristics of the patients and the outcomes of assessments by trainee psychiatrists and a mental health nurse were compared.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the outcome of 68 assessments performed by a trainee psychiatrist and 77 by a mental health nurse. The nurse assessment service was well-received by the poisons unit, a medical ward specialising in overdose treatment, and trainee psychiatrists.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Psychosocial assessments following self-poisoning can be provided by appropriately trained and supervised mental health nurses. The introduction of a nurse-led service should enhance relationships with the local poisons unit and reduce the workload of junior doctors without compromising their training needs.




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