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Experience of Health Care Services After a Suicide Attempt: Results from an Online Survey
Author(s) -
Shand Fiona L.,
Batterham Philip J.,
Chan Jade K.Y.,
Pirkis Jane,
Spittal Matthew J.,
Woodward Alan,
Christensen Helen
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
suicide and life‐threatening behavior
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.544
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1943-278X
pISSN - 0363-0234
DOI - 10.1111/sltb.12399
Subject(s) - health care , medicine , psychology , medical emergency , political science , law
Failure to provide follow‐up care after a suicide attempt is associated with increased risk of reattempt. This online survey examined the experiences of patients of the Australian health system after a suicide attempt. Just over half of the participants had a psychiatric assessment within 1 week of their attempt. Fewer than half believed they had been offered enough help. Low service satisfaction was associated with lower help‐seeking intentions. Support for individuals who have made a suicide attempt needs to be enhanced, and an integrated approach to care is required, including improved referral pathways and staff attitudinal change.