Increasing psychosocial assessment by introducing a self-harm pathway

Abstract

Aims and method: To audit whether the introduction of a self-harm pathway and protocol increases the number of psychosocial assessments. All episodes of self-harm in a defined period during 2002 (n=335) and 2004 (n=390) were reviewed before and after the introduction of a self-harm pathway and protocol. Adherence to the protocol was also investigated. Results: After the introduction of the self-harm pathway and protocol, the proportion of psychosocial assessments requested had risen from 57% (2002) to 85% (2004).The proportion of psychosocial assessments completed had risen from 47% to 70%. Over the 2 years, the overall number of self-harm presentations was reduced by 27%. Clinical implications: The introduction of a self-harm pathway and protocol through a self-harm steering group is feasible, was well accepted and increased the number of psychosocial assessments after self-harm, It may also contribute to a reduction in the number of overall presentations with self-harm to the accident and emergency department.