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Introduction: A considerable number of patients are admitted to somatic hospitals with deliberate self-poisoning each year, and the prognoses are serious. However, knowledge is sparse about the patient’s self-perceived problems and psychiatric symptoms post discharge. It is important to provide adequate health care services to this patient group and it is important that health care personnel have positive attitudes and sufficient competence. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to examine whether patients hospitalized for self-poisoning received follow-up after discharge, as well as the patients’ assessments of their own psychological symptoms and need for health care services. Furthermore, we aimed to study physicians self-perceived competence to treat patients with suicidal behaviour and their participation and interest in theoretical training. Method and materials: All patients that were admitted to somatic hospitals in Oslo and Bærum County during one year (n=867) received a questionnaire about follow-ups, satisfaction, psychiatric symptoms, and self-perceived need for health care services three months after discharge. In a survey of a random sample of Norwegian general practitioners, psychiatrists, and internists (n=750), their attitudes and self-perceived competence to treat patients with suicidal behaviour together with participation and interest in courses were studied. Results: We found a discrepancy between registered follow-ups at the time of discharge in the hospital records (86 %) and self-reports from the patients (59 %). 29 % of the patients waited more than three weeks for their first appointment. The patients had moderate to severe symptoms of depression and hopelessness, and low self-efficacy, and 22 % had poisoned themselves again. The patients were satisfied with the treatment, except from drug misuse treatment. The vast majority reported a need for health care services. The physicians’ self-perceived competence was good, and the attitudes were positive. 43 % had participated in theoretical training. Conclusion: Patients hospitalized for self-poisoning did not receive sufficient follow-up care post discharge. The levels of problems were considerable and they needed further health care services. The physicians perceived their competences to be good and they had positive attitudes towards patients with suicidal behaviour.

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