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: Source Type: research