Quality of Psychosocial Care of Suicide Attempters at General Hospitals in Norway – a Longitudinal Nationwide Study

This study identified predictors of a high level of quality of care for suicide attempters at general hospital emergency departments in Norway. Structured interviews with key informants covering the quality of care of patients admitted following attempted suicide were conducted in 1999 & 2006 at 87% of all general hospitals. Hospitals having implemented a chain of care program for suicide attempters in 1999 maintained significantly higher levels on quality of care indicators 7 years later. Predictors of a high quality of care level were training of staff in management & care of suicide attempters & to have written guidelines for the care. (30 refs.) JA