Prompt aftercare to psychological therapies following self-harm 

In these studies, prompt aftercare to psychological therapies (consistent with clinical guidelines) was found to reduce the likelihood of repeat self-harm. 

Provision of aftercare and psychological therapies as part of the liaison psychiatry service are considered essential to optimise patient safety and experience and staff wellbeing. 

• Liaison psychiatry practitioners’ views on accessing aftercare and psychological therapies for patients who present to hospital following self-harm: multi-site interview study (BJPsych Open, 2023)  

This study recommends that all patients should receive prompt aftercare and access to tailored psychological treatments following a self-harm episode. This is to reduce the likelihood of repeat self-harm and is consistent with clinical guidelines.  

• Accessing psychological therapies following self-harm: qualitative survey of patient experiences and views on improving practice (BJPsych Open, 2023)

This work was completed as part of the Culture of Care Programme. The work was supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Greater Manchester Patient Safety Research Collaboration (GM PSRC) (Grant Reference Number NIHR204295). Leah Quinlivan is fully funded by the NIHR GM PSRC, Pauline Rivart was part funded by the NIHR GM PSRC, and Professor Nav Kapur is part funded by the NIHR GM PSRC.  The views expressed on this webpage are those of the authors and not necessarily those of NICE, NIHR, NHS, or the UK Department of Health and Social Care.