Evaluation of the Hunter Way Back Support Service- a non-clinical care coordination service for people who have deliberately self-poisoned

The Way Back Support Service (brief name- WBSS) is a suicide prevention aftercare service developed by Beyond Blue. It was developed to prevent repeat suicidal behaviour among people presenting to hospital following a suicide attempt by delivering person-centred, non-clinical and practical support for three months after discharge from hospital. The service provides community-based aftercare by linking people into existing health, clinical and community-based services to address their needs and support their safety. The WBSS is delivered in the Hunter region (Australia) by Hunter Primary Care (a large mental health non-government organisation). Support coordinators hold a minimum Certificate IV Tafe Diploma in mental health and are supported by a clinical advisor (clinical psychologist). An integrated referral pathway with Calvary Mater Newcastle hospital was established, which allowed WBSS support coordinators to connect with eligible participants during hospital admissions. As part of contact with the WBSS, participants complete a needs assessment, a safety plan, are provided with information about relevant supports and services and supported to engage with the services. This contact takes up to 1 hour. At the end of service provision, support coordinators develop a wellness plan with the client that includes steps to take in the event of a subsequent suicidal crisis. This contact takes up to 1 hour. A treatment summary is provided via letter to the nominated general practitioner and/or other clinical services. WBSS contact can be face-to-face, phone, text or email and occurred in the place preferred by the participants (e.g. home, WBSS, café, etc). The exact number of contacts and focus of those contacts is dependent on participant preference and needs. Support can be provided for up to three months post-hospital discharge. Adherence is measured by completion of needs assessment and safety plan. The study period for the intervention cohort was 26 April 2016 (when the service commenced) to 30 September 2017. That is, an 18 month cohort of participants who were admitted to the Calvary Mater Newcastle after deliberate self-poisoning during the time the Way Back Support Service was available.