Establishing a clinical database for hospital attendances because of self-harm

Self-harm is a major risk factor for suicide ([Gunnell & Frankel, 1994][1]) with around a quarter of suicides preceded by non-fatal self-harm in the previous year ([Owens & House, 1994][2]). Strategies for suicide prevention should include accurate monitoring of health service contacts due to self-harm. Unfortunately, the published literature points to few practical steps for ensuring this accuracy. We offer an account of running a database, to assist others who might be setting out on this monitoring process. [1]: #ref-3 [2]: #ref-8