Compliance with NICE guidelines in the management of self-harm

Abstract

Aims and method: To identify the provision of psychosocial assessments for all people attending an accident and emergency department in Ireland with a presentation indicative of self-harm over 12 months and to investigate whether the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines for self-harm were met. Results: A total of 834 attendances for self-harm were recorded. A psychosocial assessment was undertaken by a member of the liaison psychiatry team in 59% of attendances. Single male patients under 45 years of age represented 39% of those who did not receive a psychosocial assessment. Clinical implications: Single men under the age of 45 years represent a vulnerable group in which levels of psychosocial assessment need to be optimised in order to meet the NICE guidelines for standards of care.