Abstract
Introduction
Harm-reduction approaches for self-harm in mental health settings have been under-researched.
Aim
To develop a measure of the acceptability of management approaches for self-cutting in mental health inpatient settings.
Methods
Stage one: scale items were generated from relevant literature and staff/service user consultation. Stage two: A cross-sectional survey and statistical methods from classical test theory informed scale development.
Results/Findings
At stage one N=27 staff and service users participated. At stage two N=215 people (n=175 current mental health practitioners and n=40 people with experience of self-cutting as a UK mental health inpatient) completed surveys. Principal components analysis revealed a simple factor structure such that each method had a unique acceptability profile. Reliability, construct validity, and internal consistency were acceptable. The harm-reduction approaches 'advising on wound-care' and 'providing a first aid kit' were broadly endorsed; 'providing sterile razors' and 'maintaining a supportive nursing presence during cutting' were less acceptable but more so than seclusion and restraint.
Discussion
The Attitudes to Self-cutting Management scale is a reliable and valid measure that could inform service design and development.
Implications for practice
Nurses should discuss different options for management of self-cutting with service users. Harm reduction approaches may be more acceptable than coercive measures. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 531-545 |
Number of pages | 15 |
Journal | Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing |
Volume | 25 |
Issue number | 9-10 |
Early online date | 26 Sep 2018 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 21 Dec 2018 |
Keywords
- Attitude
- Harm reduction
- Inpatients
- Self-injurious behaviour
- Surveys and questionnaires