[Psychosocial follow up after parasuicide at hospital departments in Norway].

BACKGROUND

Routines and standards of care for parasuicide patients in general hospitals in Norway were reviewed in relation to international and national recommendations.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Telephone interviews were conducted with personnel at all Norwegian general hospitals with emergency units. 55 of a total of 58 hospitals participated (95%).

RESULTS

Two thirds of the hospitals reported that most parasuicide patients were routinely psychiatrically evaluated and then referred to psychiatric or community aftercare. At almost half of the hospitals (46%) the staff had not received any specific training in clinical management of parasuicide patients during the last three years. Structured collaboration with external aftercare providers was non-existent in 43% of the hospitals. Hospitals with projects aimed at psychosocial follow up of parasuicide patients or hospitals with a team or a person responsible for the follow-up, had, however, routines more in accordance with the recommendations than hospitals without projects or teams.

INTERPRETATION

The study shows great variations between Norwegian general hospitals in their routines and standards of care for psychosocial follow-up of parasuicide patients. Increasing the staff's competence, developing written routines and establishing mutually binding co-operation between the hospital and external caregivers are important areas for further development.