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Van Hove L, Baetens I, Vanderstichelen S. Conceptualizing Self-Harm through the Experiences of Psychogeriatric Experts. Psychopathology 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38599197 DOI: 10.1159/000537809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fewer studies thus far have focused on self-harm and its specific forms among older adults. Moreover, the limited available literature applies varying terminology. The categorization of self-harm used in younger populations may not be as appropriate for this population. This means that less is known about this phenomenon in older adults. The current study aimed to reduce this gap. METHODS Nine Flemish psychogeriatric experts participated in a semi-structured interview. Transcripts were thematically analyzed. RESULTS Themes emerging from the interviews suggest that self-harm in older adults may also include distinct elements, such as the omission of certain behaviours and engagement in indirect self-harm to cause bodily harm. According to the experts, self-harm may be engaged in to cope with emotions, express life fatigue, hasten death, and communicate a cry for help. DISCUSSION Self-harm is prevalent in older adults, and some characteristics may be specific to self-harm in an older age group. These findings may enable clinicians to be more alert to self-harm in older adults and consequently prevent serious suicidal behaviour. More research is needed to further uncover this phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Van Hove
- Brussels University Consultation Center (BRUCC), Department of Clinical Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Imke Baetens
- Brussels University Consultation Center (BRUCC), Department of Clinical Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Steven Vanderstichelen
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels/Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Compassionate Communities Centre of Expertise (COCO), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels/Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Hedna K, Jonson M, Sigström R, Åberg M, Wilhelmson K, Waern M. Healthcare visits for mental disorders and use of psychotropic medications before and after self-harm in a cohort aged 75. Aging Ment Health 2023; 27:2052-2060. [PMID: 36803189 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2023.2179974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Non-fatal self-harm (SH) is a major risk factor for late-life suicide. A better knowledge of the clinical management of older adults who self-harm is needed to establish where improvements could be made for the implementation of effective suicide prevention interventions. We therefore assessed contacts with primary and specialised care for mental disorders and psychotropic drug use during the year before and after a late-life non-fatal SH episode. METHOD Longitudinal population-based study in adults aged ≥75 years with SH episode between 2007 and 2015 retrieved from the regional database VEGA. Healthcare contacts for mental disorders and psychotropic use were assessed during the year before and after the index SH episode. RESULTS There were 659 older adults who self-harmed. During the year before SH, 33.7% had primary care contacts with a mental disorder, 27.8% had such contacts in specialised care. Use of specialised care increased sharply after the SH, reaching a maximum of 68.9%, but this figure dropped to 19.5% by the end of the year. Use of antidepressants increased from 41% before to 60% after the SH episode. Use of hypnotics was extensive before and after SH (60%). Psychotherapy was rare in both primary and specialised care. CONCLUSION The use of specialised care for mental disorders and antidepressant prescribing increased after SH. The drop in long-term healthcare visits should be further explored to align primary and specialised healthcare to the needs of older adults who self-harmed. The psychosocial support of older adults with common mental disorders needs to be strengthened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khedidja Hedna
- AgeCap Center, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Neuropsychiatric Epidemiology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Statistikkonsulterna AB, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mattias Jonson
- AgeCap Center, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Neuropsychiatric Epidemiology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Affective Clinic, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Robert Sigström
- AgeCap Center, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Neuropsychiatric Epidemiology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Region Västra Götaland, Department of Cognition and Old Age Psychiatry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Maria Åberg
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Region Västra Götaland, Regionhälsan, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Katarina Wilhelmson
- AgeCap Center, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Neuropsychiatric Epidemiology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Acute Medicine and Geriatrics, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Margda Waern
- AgeCap Center, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Neuropsychiatric Epidemiology Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Psychosis Clinic, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Wand AP, Browne R, Jessop T, Peisah C. A systematic review of evidence-based aftercare for older adults following self-harm. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2022; 56:1398-1420. [PMID: 35021912 DOI: 10.1177/00048674211067165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Self-harm is closely associated with suicide in older adults and may provide opportunity to intervene to prevent suicide. This study aimed to systematically review recent evidence for three components of aftercare for older adults: (1) referral pathways, (2) assessment tools and safety planning approaches and (3) engagement and intervention strategies. METHODS Databases PubMed, Medline, PsychINFO, Embase and CINAHL were searched from January 2010 to 10 July 2021 by two reviewers. Empirical studies reporting aftercare interventions for older adults (aged 60+) following self-harm (including with suicidal intent) were included. Full text of articles with abstracts meeting inclusion criteria were obtained and independently reviewed by three authors to determine final studies for review. Two reviewers extracted data and assessed level of evidence (Oxford) and quality ratings (Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research Standard Quality Assessment Criteria for quantitative and Attree and Milton checklist for qualitative studies), working independently. RESULTS Twenty studies were reviewed (15 quantitative; 5 qualitative). Levels of evidence were low (3, 4), and quality ratings of quantitative studies variable, although qualitative studies rated highly. Most studies of referral pathways were observational and demonstrated marked variation with no clear guidelines or imperatives for community psychiatric follow-up. Of four screening tools evaluated, three were suicide-specific and one screened for depression. An evidence-informed approach to safety planning was described using cases. Strategies for aftercare engagement and intervention included two multifaceted approaches, psychotherapy and qualitative insights from older people who self-harmed, carers and clinicians. The qualitative studies identified targets for improved aftercare engagement, focused on individual context, experiences and needs. CONCLUSION Dedicated older-adult aftercare interventions with a multifaceted, assertive follow-up approach accompanied by systemic change show promise but require further evaluation. Research is needed to explore the utility of needs assessment compared to screening and evaluate efficacy of safety planning and psychotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Pf Wand
- Specialty of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of NSW (UNSW) Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Older Peoples Mental Health Service, Jara Ward, Concord Centre for Mental Health, Sydney Local Health District, Concord, Australia
| | - Roisin Browne
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of NSW (UNSW) Sydney, NSW, Australia.,ForeFront Motor Neuron Disease & Frontotemporal Dementia Clinic, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Capacity Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tiffany Jessop
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of NSW (UNSW) Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Capacity Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Carmelle Peisah
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of NSW (UNSW) Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Capacity Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Leather JZ, Keyworth C, Kapur N, Campbell SM, Armitage CJ. Examining drivers of self-harm guideline implementation by general practitioners: A qualitative analysis using the theoretical domains framework. Br J Health Psychol 2022; 27:1275-1295. [PMID: 35416355 PMCID: PMC9790562 DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to (1) examine barriers and enablers to General Practitioners' (GP) use of National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for self-harm and (2) recommend potential intervention strategies to improve implementation of them in primary care. DESIGN Qualitative interview study. METHODS Twenty-one telephone interviews, semi-structured around the capabilities, opportunities and motivations model of behaviour change (COM-B), were conducted with GPs in the United Kingdom. The Theoretical Domains Framework was employed as an analytical framework. Using the Behaviour Change Wheel, Behaviour Change Techniques (BCTs), intervention functions and exemplar interventions were identified. RESULTS GPs valued additional knowledge about self-harm risk assessments (knowledge), and communication skills were considered to be fundamental to high-pressure consultations (cognitive and interpersonal skills). GPs did not engage with the guidelines due to concerns that they would be a distraction from patient cues about risk during consultations (memory, attention and decision processes), and perceptions that following the guidance is difficult due to time pressures and lack of access to mental health referrals (environmental context and resources). Clinical uncertainty surrounding longer term care for people that self-harm, particularly patients that are waiting for or cannot access a referral, drives GPs to rely on their professional judgement over the guidance (beliefs about capabilities). CONCLUSIONS Three key drivers related to information and skill needs, guideline engagement and clinical uncertainty need to be addressed to support GPs to be able to assess and manage self-harm. Five intervention functions and ten BCT groups were identified as potential avenues for intervention design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Z. Leather
- NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research CentreThe University of ManchesterManchester Academic Health Science CentreManchesterUK,Manchester Centre for Health PsychologyDivision of Psychology and Mental HealthSchool of Health SciencesUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | | | - Nav Kapur
- NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research CentreThe University of ManchesterManchester Academic Health Science CentreManchesterUK,Centre for Mental Health and SafetyUniversity of ManchesterManchester Academic Health Science CentreManchesterUK,Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation TrustManchester Academic Health Science CentreManchesterUK
| | - Stephen M. Campbell
- NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research CentreThe University of ManchesterManchester Academic Health Science CentreManchesterUK,Centre for Primary Care and Health Services ResearchSchool of Health SciencesUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Christopher J. Armitage
- NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research CentreThe University of ManchesterManchester Academic Health Science CentreManchesterUK,Manchester Centre for Health PsychologyDivision of Psychology and Mental HealthSchool of Health SciencesUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK,Manchester University NHS Foundation TrustManchester Academic Health Science CentreManchesterUK,NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research CentreManchester University NHS Foundation TrustManchester Academic Health Science CentreThe Nowgen CentreManchesterUK
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Educating Crisis Supporters About Self-Harm and Suicide in Older Adults. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2022; 30:1212-1220. [PMID: 34799248 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2021.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to describe existing knowledge of crisis supporters (volunteers responding to crisis calls/texts/messages) regarding self-harm and suicide in older adults and investigate knowledge translation through use of a novel online adaptive learning tool. METHODS The online educational tool was tested in an Australian national sample of crisis supporters (trained volunteers) aged 18+. Knowledge Transfer was evaluated utilizing a pre/post intervention methodology for data collection. The collaboratively developed online educational tool comprised a pre-test (10 questions), middle learning module (individualised for participant's incorrect pre-test responses) and post-test (10 questions) on suicidal behaviours in older adults. Data analysed included the demographic characteristics of the participants, individual question scores, and summed pre- and post-tests scores. Group differences in change scores were assessed with either one-way between subjects ANOVA or independent samples t-test, depending on the number of groups within each variable. Pre-post education comparisons on individual change in scores were made using a paired samples t-test. Statistical significance was defined as p <0.05. RESULTS 104 crisis supporters completed the tool (pre-test, middle lesson and post-test). There was significant improvement in knowledge of crisis supporters after the intervention (pre-test scores Mean (M) = 4.56, SD = 1.62 and post-test scores M = 7.61, SD = 1.60; t (103) = 17.242, p <0.001.). CONCLUSION Dedicated training about suicidal behaviors in older adults is needed given their high rates of suicide and differing underlying reasons and needs compared to younger adults.
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O'Donohoe MS. General Practitioners’ Experiences of Self-harm in Primary Care. J Nurse Pract 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2022.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Wand A, McKay R, Pond D. Towards Zero Suicide: need and opportunities to improve implementation of clinical elements for older adults. Australas Psychiatry 2022; 30:290-293. [PMID: 34839743 DOI: 10.1177/10398562211054034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Zero Suicide (ZS) framework is increasingly used in Australia, but without published adaptations for older people, and limited access by older people when implemented. The aim of this paper is to inform Towards Zero Suicide (TZS) implementations to benefit older adults by considering the key differences in older adults at risk of suicide according to each clinical component of the ZS framework. CONCLUSION TZS aspires to reduce deaths by suicide for people within healthcare by refocusing interventions on suicidality rather than diagnosis alone, emphasising evidence-based practices and cultural change. For TZS to be effective for older people, it is essential to ensure practices are based upon evidence relevant to older people and to ensure ageism is effectively counteracted. Older adults have distinct patterns of help seeking and service use, accompanied by differences in risk factors, presentations, and outcomes of suicidal behaviours. Ageism affects assessment, decision-making and actions to address self-harm and suicide for older people. Immediate and longer-term actions are essential to effectively implement TZS in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Wand
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia; and Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - Roderick McKay
- NSW Health Education and Training Institute, North Parramatta, NSW, Australia
| | - Dimity Pond
- The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
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McKay R, Pond D, Wand A. Towards Zero Suicide for older adults: implications of healthcare service use for implementation. Australas Psychiatry 2022; 30:294-297. [PMID: 34894758 DOI: 10.1177/10398562211054039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Implementing the Towards Zero Suicide (TZS) approach to suicide prevention in older adults requires evidence-based adaptation. This paper aims to highlight important differences and opportunities in healthcare service use by older adults relevant to implementation. CONCLUSION The TZS approach may prevent suicide in older adults, but only if implementation aligns with systemic differences in healthcare utilisation by older people. Of greatest importance in older adults are (1) most mental healthcare is delivered outside of specialist mental health services; (2) physical conditions and disability are major modifiable contributors to suicide that must be addressed within TZS; and (3) older people have very low use of Medicare-funded psychological services. Primary healthcare providers, who may be seeing older people at risk of suicide, are often neither equipped to provide expert assessment and care planning for often complex needs, nor may see this as their role. However, they are essential in providing pathways to care, which may prevent suicide. Leaders must recognise TZS for older people will usually involve multiple transitions. This requires engagement of key services with clear roles, targeted training, rapid access to specialist older persons mental health support and development of a new TZS element: the navigator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roderick McKay
- NSW Health Education and Training Institute, North Parramatta, NSW, Australia
| | - Dimity Pond
- The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Anne Wand
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia; and Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Australia
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Wand APF, Peisah C. The Development of an Online Training Tool for Crisis Supporters on Late Life Suicide: Improving Knowledge While Promoting Empowerment. Arch Suicide Res 2022; 26:968-974. [PMID: 33076767 DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2020.1833798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Telephone crisis services have an increasing role in suicide prevention yet existing interventions have not empowered crisis supporters with adequate education targeting the needs of older people in crisis. An existing educational intervention was adapted for crisis supporters through collaboration between a crisis support service, clinician researchers, and an eLearning technology company. Empowering crisis supporters, through improving knowledge and highlighting their strengths and expertise, was emphasized. The adaptive learning technology featured a pretest, middle learning module (educational content), and post-test individualized to the participant's incorrect pretest answers. The online training tool on suicidal behaviors in late-life combined clinician researcher expertise and evidence, insights from crisis supporters, and adaptive learning technology to create a purpose-built educational tool addressing an unmet need.
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Wand A, Verbeek H, Hanon C, de Mendonça Lima CA, Rabheru K, Peisah C. Is Suicide the End Point of Ageism and Human Rights Violations? Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2021; 29:1047-1052. [PMID: 34272155 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2021.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Ageism and human rights violations may pervade each of the potential factors underlying suicidal ideation or behavior in older persons, including physical and mental health, disability, relationships, and social factors. We outline how infringements of human rights and ageism may create or exacerbate risk factors associated with suicide in older persons. Strategies to address these issues are discussed, including tackling ageism, psychosocial interventions and education. A United Nations convention on the rights of older persons would create a uniform standard of accountability across health and social systems. Future studies are needed to evaluate the effects of alleviating ageism and human rights violations on suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Wand
- Specialty of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney (AW), NSW, Australia; School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (AW, CP), Australia; Ageing Futures Institute, University of New South Wales (AW, CP), Australia.
| | - Hilde Verbeek
- Department of Health Services Research, CAPHRI, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (HV), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Cecile Hanon
- Regional Resource Centre of old age Psychiatry - AP-HP Centre - Université de Paris (CH), France
| | | | | | - Carmelle Peisah
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales (AW, CP), Australia; Ageing Futures Institute, University of New South Wales (AW, CP), Australia; Capacity Australia (CP), New South Wales, Australia
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Wand APF, Draper B, Brodaty H, Hunt GE, Peisah C. Evaluation of an Educational Intervention for Clinicians on Self-Harm in Older Adults. Arch Suicide Res 2021; 25:156-176. [PMID: 31941427 DOI: 10.1080/13811118.2019.1706678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Clinicians may lack knowledge and confidence regarding self-harm in older adults and hold attitudes that interfere with delivering effective care. A 1-hour educational intervention for hospital-based clinicians and general practitioners (GPs) was developed, delivered, and evaluated. Of 119 multidisciplinary clinicians working in aged care and mental health at two hospitals, 100 completed pre/post-evaluation questions. There were significant improvements in knowledge, confidence in managing, and attitudes regarding self-harm in late life, and the education was rated as likely to change clinical practice. No GP education sessions could be conducted. A brief educational intervention had immediate positive impacts for hospital-based clinicians albeit with high baseline knowledge. The sustainability of these effects and effectiveness of the intervention for GPs warrant examination.
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Role of the GP in the management of patients with self-harm behaviour: a systematic review. Br J Gen Pract 2020; 70:e364-e373. [PMID: 32041771 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp20x708257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-harm is a serious risk factor for suicide, a major public health concern, and a significant burden on the NHS. Rates of self-harm presentation in primary care are rising and GPs interact with patients both before and after they have self-harmed. There is significant public and political interest in reducing rates of self-harm, but there has been no robust synthesis of the existing literature on the role of GPs in the management of patients who self-harm. AIM This study aimed to explore the role of the GP in the management of patients with self-harm behaviour. DESIGN AND SETTING A systematic review and narrative synthesis of primary care literature. METHOD This systematic review was conducted and is reported in line with PRISMA guidance. Electronic databases systematically searched were MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and AMED. Two independent reviewers conducted study screening and selection, data extraction, and quality appraisal of all included studies. Thematic analysis was conducted. RESULTS From 6976 unique citations, 12 studies met eligibility criteria and were included. These 12 studies, published from 1997-2016, of 789 GPs/family medicine physicians from Europe, the US, and Australia were of good methodological quality. Five themes were identified for facilitating GP management of self-harm: GP training, improved communication, service provision, clinical guidelines, and young people. Four barriers for GP management of self-harm were identified: assessment, service provision, local, and systemic factors. CONCLUSION GPs recognise self-harm as a serious risk factor for suicide, but some feel unprepared for managing self-harm. The role of the GP is multidimensional and includes frontline assessment and treatment, referral to specialist care, and the provision of ongoing support.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES To follow-up a cohort of older people who self-harmed, their carer, and general practitioner (GP) and examine their reflections on the self-harm, care experiences, and outcomes. DESIGN Qualitative in-depth interviews. SETTING Two teaching hospitals and associated community services. PARTICIPANTS Twelve-month follow-up of participants aged 80 or older who self-harmed, their nominated carers, and GPs. MEASUREMENTS A geriatric psychiatrist gathered data through patient and carer interviews using a narrative inquiry approach and from medical records. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. N-VIVO facilitated data organization for thematic analysis. Questionnaires sent to the patient's GP examined their perspectives and aspects of care relating to the self-harm. RESULTS Nineteen patients (63% baseline sample), 29 carers (90.6%), and 11 GPs (36.7%) were available at follow-up. Themes emerging from patients were "denial and secrets;" "endless suffering;" "more invalidation;" "being heard;" and "miserable in care." Themes from carer interviews were "denial and secrets;" "patient's persistent wish to die;" "abandonment by clinicians;" "unending burden for the carer;" and "distress regarding placement." General practitioner themes were "the problem is fixed;" "the troops have arrived;" and "I understand." CONCLUSIONS Factors contributing to self-harm persisted at follow-up. Positive and negative responses were identified in the older person's system, highlighting areas for potential intervention. A conceptual framework for understanding self-harm in the very old was derived that emphasized the importance of understanding individual needs, the interpersonal context of the older person, and carer burden. Interventions should improve communication, facilitate shared understanding of perspectives, and provide support at all levels.
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Role of primary care in supporting older adults who self-harm: a qualitative study in England. Br J Gen Pract 2019; 69:e740-e751. [PMID: 31594769 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp19x706049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-harm and suicide are major public health concerns. Self-harm is the strongest risk factor for suicide, with the highest suicide rates reported in older populations. Little is known about how older adults access care following self-harm, but they are in frequent contact with primary care. AIM To identify and explore barriers and facilitators to accessing care within primary care for older adults who self-harm. DESIGN AND SETTING An exploratory qualitative methods study using semi-structured interviews with older adults and third-sector workers in England. Older adults were invited to participate in one follow-up interview. METHOD Interviews occurred between September 2017 and September 2018. These were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and data analysed thematically. A patient and public involvement and engagement group contributed to the study design, data analysis, and interpretation. RESULTS A total of 24 interviews with nine older adults and seven support workers, including eight follow-up interviews with older adults, were conducted. Three themes emerged: help-seeking decision factors; sources of support; and barriers and facilitators to accessing primary care. CONCLUSION Despite older adults' frequent contact with GPs, barriers to primary care existed, which included stigma, previous negative experiences, and practical barriers such as mobility restrictions. Older adults' help-seeking behaviour was facilitated by previous positive experiences. Primary care is a potential avenue for delivering effective self-harm support, management, and suicide prevention in older adults. Given the complex nature of self-harm, there is a need for primary care to work with other sectors to provide comprehensive support to older adults who self-harm.
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Wand APF, Peisah C, Draper B, Brodaty H. Why Do the Very Old Self-Harm? A Qualitative Study. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2018; 26:862-871. [PMID: 29627192 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2018.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the perspectives of people aged 80 years or older who self-harmed regarding their reasons for self-harm and its consequences, and their perceptions of care. DESIGN A qualitative study using in-depth interviews. SETTING Participants were recruited from two teaching hospitals and associated community services. PARTICIPANTS People aged 80 years or older who had self-harmed within the previous month. METHODS Structured psychiatric assessment including cognitive testing, DSM-5 diagnosis, and an in-depth qualitative interview focusing upon the reasons for and consequences of self-harm. Narrative enquiry was used to guide the discussion. All interviews were undertaken by a geriatric psychiatrist, audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and subjected to thematic analysis using N-VIVO. RESULTS Themes that emerged for the reasons for self-harm included "enough is enough"; "loneliness"; "disintegration of self"; "being a burden"; "cumulative adversity"; "hopelessness and endless suffering"; "helplessness with rejection"; and "the untenable situation". Themes for the consequences of self-harm were "becoming engaged with or distanced from family"; "the problem was solved"; "gaining control"; "I"m worse off now"; "rejection by health professionals"; and "tension in the role of the inpatient clinical environment". CONCLUSIONS Self-harm may communicate a need that cannot otherwise be expressed. An individualized person-centered approach is required to respond to self-harm, including a combination of practical, medical, and psychological approaches as indicated. Involvement of families in the process of understanding the meaning of and responding to self-harm through education and family therapy, as well as education of healthcare professionals beyond risk factor notation may be indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne P F Wand
- Academic Department for Old Age Psychiatry, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia; School of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Carmelle Peisah
- School of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Discipline of Psychiatry, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Brian Draper
- Academic Department for Old Age Psychiatry, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia; School of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Henry Brodaty
- Academic Department for Old Age Psychiatry, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia; Dementia Centre for Research Collaboration and Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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