Year: 2008 Source: Thesis (M.Nurs.)-Victoria University of Wellington, (2008). 123p. SIEC No: 20090106

This New Zealand study describes factors that contributed to people re-presenting to the emergency department within one week of a previous visit for intentional self-harm. A retrospective observational design was selected for a period of one year & data was collected from electronic clinical case notes. The sample consisted of 48 people with 73 presentations & re-presentations. Some of the findings included: 55% of re-presentations occurred within one day; fewer support people were present for the second presentation; & the documentation of triage & assessments by emergency department staff was often minimal. It is concluded the study supports the need for holistic & expert care for people presenting to the emergency department because of intentional self-harm.