'Relieved to be seen'-patient and carer experiences of psychosocial assessment in the emergency department following self-harm: qualitative analysis of 102 free-text survey responses.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

We sought to explore patient and carer experiences of psychosocial assessments following presentations to hospital after self-harm.

Design

Thematic analysis of free-text responses to an open-ended online survey.

Setting

Between March and November 2019, we recruited 88 patients (82% women) and 14 carers aged ≥18 years from 16 English mental health trusts, community organisations, and via social media.

Results

Psychosocial assessments were experienced as helpful on some occasions but harmful on others. Participants felt better, less suicidal and less likely to repeat self-harm after good-quality compassionate and supportive assessments. However, negative experiences during the assessment pathway were common and, in some cases, contributed to greater di

SUBMITTER: Quinlivan LM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8149433 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature