Accident & Emergency Nursing: Assessment of Deliberate Self-Harm. Exploring the Impact of Introducing a Suicide Education Programme and a Suicide Intent Scale Into A&E/MAU Nursing Practice: a Pilot Study

This study evaluted the impact of a suicide awareness & skills education programme upon a cohort of emergency nurses as well as the use of a suicide intent scale in assessing deliberate self-harm patients. Over a 9-month prospective period, 193 deliberate self-harm patients presented to the general hospital in Wexford. Using a pre-post design, staffs’ confidence, knowledge & attitudes concerning suicidal behaviour were assessed. Findings were favourable & supported further implementation of similar training programs for all emergency & medical assessment unit nurses.