29 Investigating the population characteristics, processes and outcomes of pre-hospital psychiatric and self-harm emergencies in scotland: a national record linkage study
Conclusion
While linked data analysis may not identify all relevant cases, it provides important information to guide the development and evaluation of evidence-based interventions. Ambulance service and ED are missing opportunities to improve outcomes for people who experience a psychiatric emergency or who self-harm. New interventions could lead to decreases in the number of suicides, episodes of self-harm and levels of patient distress; and ambulance and ED service use.
Reference
Information Services Division (NHS Scotland) (2016) Unscheduled Care Datamart Background Paper. Accessible at http://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/Emergency-Care/Patient-Pathways/unscheduledcare_background.pdf Accessed on 13/01/17
Conflict of interest
None declared.
Funding
Scottish Government, Chief Scientists Office
Source: BMJ Open - Category: General Medicine Authors: Duncan, E., Best, C., Dougall, N., Skar, S., Fitzpatrick, D., Evans, J., Corfield, A., Goldie, I., Maxwell, M., Snooks, H., Stark, C., White, C., Wojcik, W. Source Type: research
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