Self-directed violence and unclear intent presentation within a major trauma system. A multisite analysis.

Background: Determining trauma as an act of Self-directed violence (SDV) or from high risk or unclear behaviours is challenging for trauma clinicians and may be affected by patient sex and mechanism of injury. The aim of this study was to examine the differences in characteristics and outcomes between those who have intentionally directed violence towards themselves with those of unclear intent, within a regional trauma system.

Methods: Data was collected between January 2018 and December 2021 in patients who had been identified as a result of either self-directed violence (SDV) defined as any intentional act that can cause injury to one's self, including death or participated in high-risk behaviours, where the intent was unclear (UI).