Can Aftercare Following an Attempted Suicide Decrease the Risk of Deliberate Self-Harm Repetition?
Citation
(2015) Can Aftercare Following an Attempted Suicide Decrease the Risk of Deliberate Self-Harm Repetition?, no. 73.
Abstract
Background
In Scotland, an estimated 68 individuals under the age of 25 attended accident and
emergency (A&E) at least in the once three months prior to committing suicide between
2010 and 2012 (ISD 2014). Nurses and other healthcare professionals working in A&E
departments have an important role in maintaining the wellbeing of deliberate self-harm
(DSH) patients. A&E departments are in the frontline of treating a large number of DSH
patients, they play an important role in suicide prevention and also in preventing
repetition (Bridge et al. 2012; Ting et al. 2012). Given that A&E departments are often
the initial step in the care for young adults presenting with DSH, it is essential aftercare
is offered as a possible solution to prevent repetition.
Aims
This research proposal aims to examine the support and aftercare given to young adults
presenting to accident and emergency after attempted suicide. The intention would be
to establish the levels of aftercare offered to young adults and discover whether a link
exists between the absence of aftercare and increased DSH repetition rates.
Methods
The study would be conducted using an interpretive qualitative approach and an
inductive research design. The method of data collection would consist of semistructured
interviews, comprising of open questions, to gain an insight into the
experiences of young adults who have deliberately self harmed. The results would be
used to discover if young people receive aftercare and if this reduces the likelihood of
repetition. It is hoped the proposed study would raise awareness of the importance of
aftercare for those presenting with DSH.