The Hospital Management of Fatal Self-poisoning of Industrialized Countries: an Opportunity for suicide Prevention?

This study examines the medical management of drug self-poisoning in industrialized countries & its possible contribution to suicide prevention. Literature was reviewed to determine the proportion of self-poisoning suicides that reach hospital alive, & whether there are specific aspects of pre-hospital care & in-hospital management that have the potential to improve survival. It is possible that other interventions may improve outcomes but their potential contribution to suicide prevention needs to be investigated further. (44 refs)