Summary
Social Work Intervention Following Self-Harm
Funder: NIHR
Background and study aims
The aim of the study is to investigate if a new social intervention can help people who have self-harmed (for example: taken an overdose of tablets) or may have thoughts of doing so.
Who can participate?
People who have been attending hospital following an episode of self-harm, or who have been referred by their GP to primary mental health care services because of self harm or thoughts of self harm.
What does the study involve?
Participants are randomly allocated to either receive the intervention or treatment as usual. Participants receiving the intervention have contact with a trained professional for 4-6 weeks. The help provided is basically a talking therapy, and participants are encouraged to engage with other services who can help them with social issues (for example with relationships or finances). The practitioner makes referrals where necessary and supports the person in contacting services where relevant. Both groups are assessed three times over three months to see if there is any difference between those who receive the intervention and those who do not.
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
We hope that the intervention will lead to fewer re-hospitalisations and improved quality of life. Participants will be paid £10 in high street vouchers after the first assessment and then at the end of the study when they have completed both the 4-week and 12-week assessments they will receive a further £20 in vouchers. The only risks are that the participants will already be in an emotional state and might find the help provided causes them some further upset; however, to help them to learn to cope with their life events this is an essential part of the process and the researchers working on this project are experienced mental health workers.
Where is the study run from?
Swansea University (UK)
When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
January 2014 to May 2016
Contact Details
Trial Manager / Lead Contact: Dr Nilufar Ahmed
Email: n.ahmed@swansea.ac.uk
ISCRTN Number: 76914248;