The COVID-19 pandemic raised concerns regarding increased suicide-related behaviours. This study compared characteristics and counts of Emergency Department (ED) presentations for self-harm at three Toronto hospitals during vs. prior to the pandemic's first year. While the number of self-harm presentations to these trauma centres did not increase during the early pandemic, their proportion of total presentations was increased. Intra-pandemic self-harm was associated with variables indicating medically severe injury, economic stressors, and being widowed, which may inform future suicide- and self-harm prevention strategies.
This paper presents preliminary data from a retrospective chart review of suicide-related presentations to the St. Michael's Hospital Emergency Department (ED) over a two-year period. We sought to compare the demographics, clinical presentation, and discharge plans of individuals experiencing homelessness relative to housed individuals.
Although the Emergency Department (ED) is a frequent point of contact for individuals experiencing suicidality, there is limited research examining these ED presentations. This review synthesizes the literature on these presentations, with a focus on high-risk groups, screening tools used, and difficulties in classifying ED presentations.