Domiciliary and Out-Patient Treatment of Self-Poisoning Patients by Medical and Non-Medical Staff

In a study of domiciliary & out-patient treatment of self-poisoning patients, using a brief problem-orientated approach, it was found that domiciliary treatment resulted in much higher attendance but no difference in outcome. Patients who completed out-patient treatment had a better outcome than those who failed to attend treatment sessions. Completion of out-patient treatment was more frequent among higher social class patients.