SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Care Outcomes of Young Adults With Suicide by Hospital Type

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This retrospective cross-sectional study examined care outcomes for 18–25-year-olds admitted for suicidal ideation (SI) or suicide attempt (SA) to either an adult hospital (AH) or pediatric hospital (PH) within one academic health system from September 2017 to June 2023. The sample included 212 encounters, with 54% at the adult hospital and 46% at the pediatric hospital.<br /><br />Patients admitted to the pediatric hospital were younger overall (median age 19 vs 24 years). Aside from age and a much higher rate of psychology consultation, the two hospital types showed similar care and outcomes. Psychiatry consultation was very common in both settings (95% overall). Psychology consultation was uncommon overall but significantly more frequent in the pediatric hospital (29% vs 3%).<br /><br />No significant differences were found between AH and PH in discharge disposition, return ED visits, or medical readmissions. Nearly half of patients were discharged home/self-care, 42% were discharged to a psychiatric hospital, 15% returned to the ED, and 12% were readmitted. Length of stay was high for all patients, with median ED LOS of 5.4 hours and median hospital LOS of 113.6 hours.<br /><br />The authors conclude that young adults hospitalized for SI/SA had broadly similar short-term care and outcomes whether admitted to an adult or pediatric hospital, though pediatric admissions were more likely to include psychology involvement. They note uncertainty about the value of inpatient psychology consultation and call for further study to determine which patients benefit most. The study is limited by its single-site design, small sample size, and the COVID-19 era context, which may reduce generalizability.

Asset Subtitle

Emily L. Jacobson

Meta Tag

Author List David A. Stewart, Emily L. Jacobson, Katherine Salada, Matthew Hazle, Mayya Malakh, Rebekah Shaw

Category Research

Concept Young Adults

Concept Suicidal Ideation

Concept Suicide Attempt

Concept Adult Hospital

Concept Pediatric Hospital

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization University of Michigan

Presenting Author Emily L. Jacobson

Track Outcomes Research

Keywords

suicidal ideation

suicide attempt

young adults

adult hospital

pediatric hospital

psychiatry consultation

psychology consultation

discharge disposition

emergency department return

length of stay

Young Adults

Suicidal Ideation

Suicide Attempt

Adult Hospital

Pediatric Hospital