National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Homicide by People with Mental Illness: recent developments

The National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Homicide by People with Mental Illness, originally established in 1992, was relocated to Manchester in 1996 with the aim of studying homicides and suicides by people with mental illness in the UK. The Inquiry collects a comprehensive national sample of homicides and suicides, using data from the Home Office and court reports in the case of homicide, and from public health mortality files for suicide. When there has been contact with specialist mental health services, mental health teams are asked to provide further information in a standard questionnaire. The Inquiry is particularly interested in final contact with services prior to death and collects detailed information on various priority groups and the process of risk assessment. The findings will be the basis of recommendations on to clinical practice and training, with the aim of reducing avoidable deaths resulting from mental illness (Int J Psych Clin Pract 1997; 1: 69-71).