Factors associated with the non-assessment of self-harm patients attending an Accident and Emergency Department: Results of a national study

Those at elevated risk of suicide - older patients and those with a history of self-harm - were the least likely to be discharged by hospital staff without a psychosocial assessment. However, males (at increased risk of suicide compared with females), those who had taken illegal drugs or/and alcohol and those attending 'out of hours' were more likely to self-discharge. Services need to be modified and evaluated, based on further information about why such individuals are not currently engaging in services.