Profiles of patients using emergency departments or hospitalized for suicidal behaviors

Suicide Life Threat Behav. 2022 Oct;52(5):943-962. doi: 10.1111/sltb.12892. Epub 2022 Jun 10.

Abstract

Objectives: This study identified profiles of patients with suicidal behaviors, their sociodemographic and clinical correlates, and assessed the risk of death within a 12-month follow-up period.

Methods: Based on administrative databases, this 5-year study analyzed data on 5064 patients in Quebec who used emergency departments (ED) or were hospitalized for suicidal behaviors over a 2-year period. Latent class analysis was used for patient profiles, bivariate analysis for patient correlates over 2 years, and survival analysis for risk of death within a 12-month follow-up.

Results: Four profiles were identified: high suicidal behaviors and high service use (Profile 1: 23%); low suicidal behaviors and moderate service use (Profile 2: 46%); low suicidal behaviors and low service use (Profile 3: 25%); and high suicidal behaviors and high acute care, but low outpatient care (Profile 4: 6%). Profiles 1 and 4 patients had more serious conditions, with a higher risk of death in Profile 1 versus Profiles 2 and 3. Profile 2 patients had relatively more common mental disorders, and Profile 3 patients had less severe conditions. Profiles 3 and 4 included more men and younger patients.

Conclusion: Programs better adapted to patient profiles should be deployed after ED use and hospitalization in coordination with outpatient services.

Keywords: latent class analysis; service use; suicidal behaviors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Ambulatory Care
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Hospitalization
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders* / therapy
  • Suicidal Ideation*

Grants and funding