Perceived access to care among adult patients who attempted suicide

Abstract

This study examined perceptions of barriers to care among patients presenting through the emergency department with a suicide attempt. Eighteen patients were surveyed on their perceived access to providers and how they felt 6 distinct barriers limited their access to treatment. Although most (73%) reported having a health care provider they could have contacted before their suicide attempt, the majority (78%) reported at least 1 moderate barrier to care, with the most common barrier being difficulty finding transportation. Of those reporting any experienced barriers, 80% reported more than 1. Knowledge of the most prevalent and serious barriers perceived can subsequently be used to craft tailored follow-up instructions to prevent repeated attempts. (PsycINFO Database Record