Overview
The objective of this study is to collect data in Flanders on the incidence of suicide attempts and suicidal ideation across various healthcare settings. The study also aims to assess the proportion of individuals who receive adequate aftercare following a suicide attempt and to systematically document the methods and means used in suicidal behavior.
Description
This study involves the registration of the frequency and characteristics of suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts among individuals presenting to healthcare services (including general hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, mobile crisis teams, and general practitioners). Participants will be evaluated using a semi-structured interview: the Guideline for Suicide Care and Evaluation (LOES).
The primary objective is to collect detailed data on individuals with suicidal behavior-including suicidal ideation and suicide attempts-using the LOES instrument. This approach allows for the collection of comprehensive information about suicidal individuals in Flanders and the suicidal processes affecting them.
The LOES comprises two components:
- Basic Assessment The initial assessment occurs shortly after the individual presents at a healthcare institution. During this interview, an emergency nurse, physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist evaluates the individual's cognitive functioning, judgment, emotional state, observable behavior, potential mental health disorders, history of self-harm or suicidal behavior, social support, level of hopelessness, and willingness to engage in follow-up care. Sociodemographic data and details about the current and any previous suicide attempts are also recorded.
The goals of this assessment are:
- To ensure the individual feels heard and taken seriously.
- To determine the appropriate timing for a more comprehensive risk assessment based on the initial findings. 2. Further Exploration of Suicidality This second phase is conducted by a nurse, psychologist, or psychiatrist. It includes a more in-depth evaluation of the individual's risk factors and treatment needs. Standardized questions cover topics such as suicidal intent, suicidal ideation and concrete planning, motivations for self-harm or suicidal thoughts, ambivalence, experienced life problems, psychiatric history, potential substance use, coping strategies, and care needs of both the individual and their immediate environment.
Based on the data collected through the LOES, a structured and well-supported risk formulation can be established.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Everyone who is admitted alive to the emergency department after a suicide attempt is included. All methods used during the suicide attempt are included. Regarding the method of suicide attempts, a distinction is made between self-injury (hanging, strangulation, drowning, stab and cut wounds, jumping from a height, etc.) and self-poisoning (ingestion of (psycho)pharmaceuticals, drugs, alcohol, chemicals, or other harmful substances).
- Everyone who is admitted with suicidal thoughts
Exclusion Criteria:
- Accidental overdose, e.g., someone taking medication for a medical condition without any intent to harm themselves
- Alcohol intoxication without any intent to harm oneself
- Accidental overdose involving party drugs
- Individuals who were deceased upon arrival at the hospital due to suicide