Structured follow-up by general practitioners after deliberate self-poisoning: a randomised controlled trial

Area of Science:

• General Practice
• Psychiatry
• Public Health

Background:

• General Practitioners (GPs) are crucial for post-discharge care of patients with deliberate self-poisoning (DSP).
• The study investigated the impact of structured GP follow-up on treatment content, adherence, and satisfaction.
• A multicenter randomized trial (NCT01342809) was conducted across five emergency departments and general practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate if structured GP follow-up enhances treatment content, adherence, and patient satisfaction after emergency department discharge for DSP.
• To assess the effectiveness of a 6-month structured follow-up program involving GPs.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter randomized trial involved 202 patients discharged after DSP.
• The intervention group received structured GP follow-up (≥5 consultations) with guidelines for GPs.
• Outcomes were measured via health service provider registers and patient/GP questionnaires (EUROPEP scale) at 3 and 6 months.

Main Results:

• Patients receiving structured follow-up had significantly more GP consultations (mean 6.7 vs. 4.5, p=0.004).
• The intervention group reported higher satisfaction with GP listening time (93.1% vs. 59.4%, p=0.002) and shared decision-making (87.5% vs. 54.8%, p=0.009).
• Overall satisfaction with treatment was significantly higher in the intervention group (79% vs. 51%, p=0.026).

Conclusions:

• Structured, enhanced GP follow-up increases consultation frequency and patient satisfaction with aftercare.
• The findings support the need for interventional studies to improve DSP patient management in primary care.
• Improved GP support post-discharge positively impacts patient experience and treatment adherence.