Journal of primary health care
-
INTRODUCTION Intentional self-poisoning or self-harm through poisoning, is a common cause of presentations to emergency departments (EDs). National datasets do not allow identification of the substances most commonly used in hospital-treated intentional self-poisoning in New Zealand, nor do they capture sources of these substances. AIM To investigate the specific substances used in intentional self-poisoning and the sources from which they are obtained. ⋯ Two-thirds were referred to emergency psychiatric services. DISCUSSION Collecting specific substance information, such as from this study, can assist in planning specific activities to prevent intentional self-poisoning. As most people used their prescribed medicines, the findings can inform and assist doctors in their prescribing practices when they manage patients at risk of self-poisoning.