Comparison of the assessment by doctors and nurses of deliberate self-harm

Abstract

AIMS AND METHOD To compare the assessment by community psychiatric nurses and junior psychiatric doctors of individuals following deliberate self-harm (DSH) and, in particular, to elicit differences in referral practices and perceptions of mental illness. The health professionals involved completed questionnaires after carrying out DSH assessment. RESULTS There was a significant difference in referral patterns between doctors and nurses after DSH assessment. Doctors were significantly more likely to refer individuals for psychiatric follow-up which involved direct contact with other doctors (51 of 72 (71%) compared with 60 of 175 (34%)). Doctors were also significantly more likely than nurses to perceive individuals as having a mental illness (57 of 72 (79%) compared with 86 of 175 (49%)). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Further research is warranted to establish the precise reasons for these differences, and to determine whether the widespread introduction of nurse-led services is an effective and efficient use of resources.