A dedicated district poisons treatment unit: response to the College guidance on the management of deliberate self-harm

Introducing a nurse-led deliberate self-harm assessment service

Aims and Method

This study considered patients admitted to hospital following deliberate self-poisoning. The characteristics of the patients and the outcomes of assessments by trainee psychiatrists and a mental health nurse were compared.

Results

There were no significant differences in the outcome of 68 assessments performed by a trainee psychiatrist and 77 by a mental health nurse. The nurse assessment service was well-received by the poisons unit, a medical ward specialising in overdose treatment, and trainee psychiatrists.

Clinical Implications

Psychosocial assessments following self-poisoning can be provided by appropriately trained and supervised mental health nurses. The introduction of a nurse-led service should enhance relationships with the local poisons unit and reduce the workload of junior doctors without compromising their training needs.