Self Harming Inpatients Project (January 2006)

The Self Harming Inpatients Project (SHIP) is a collaboration between the RCN and three NHS trusts. The overall purpose of the project is to enhance the multidisciplinary assessment and management of psychiatric inpatients who deliberately self-harm.

The starting point of the project has been to explore the theories and procedures practices (current models) - including those derived primarily from individual nurses’ experience – that influence how they care for this patient group. Where required, the study will then begin the process of developing them into enhanced models that can be evaluated and complement the contribution of other disciplines working with this group of patients.

Set within this context the aims are to:

  • Articulate the theories and procedures practices (current models) used by psychiatric nurses in the care of inpatients who deliberately harm themselves
  • Develop the care offered to these patients into a more systematic approach, based on consistent procedures and theoretical frameworks (enhanced models).

Clearly, the second aim can only follow from the achievement of the first, and thus articulating current models and the overall context in which they occur has been the initial priority.

The primary methods of data collection have involved interviews with nursing staff, an examination of care plans and a literature review. One semi-structured interview, lasting approximately one hour, has been conducted with qualified nurses (n = 40) on acute inpatient wards.

The first stage of the analysis has been to look for words and phrases associated with ‘formal’ theories, theorists or models, for example dialectical behaviour therapy (Jones 2002). The next stage of analysis is identifying commonalties and differences between participants, units and trusts by gathering statements that are conceptually similar. It is hoped that this analysis might constitute the beginnings of “common models” or identify common concerns.

It is anticipated that this phase of the study will be completed by the end of February 2006 and we will be keen to share our findings with any interested parties.

For further information, please contact:
Angus.Forsyth@nmht.nhs.uk
chris.holley@ssh-tr.nhs.uk
Alastair.mcelroy@rcn.org.uk

Reference
Jones A (2002) DBT and treating personality disorder. Mental Health Nursing, 22, 2.