Could an allied health care approach reduce the unacceptable incidence of suicide after psychiatric hospital discharge?

Authors

Katrina Weston-Green, University of WollongongFollow
Ashleigh L. Osborne, University of WollongongFollow
Kelly A. Newell, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

133785

Publication Details

Weston-Green, K., Osborne, A. L. & Newell, K. (2018). Could an allied health care approach reduce the unacceptable incidence of suicide after psychiatric hospital discharge?. Bipolar Disorders: an international journal of psychiatry and neurosciences, 20 (4), 403-404.

Abstract

We propose that an allied care model could assist to reduce the unacceptably high incidence of suicide after psychiatric hospital discharge. A designated care coordinator is needed to provide holistic discharge planning that incorporates medical, functional and social support for the patient. At a minimum, this approach must include assessment of suicide means access and modifications to the home environment to reduce risk of injury as a standard management procedure.