Utilizing practice development to implement an integrated care pathway for self‐harm

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of the development and implementation of an integrated care pathway for self‐harm across a range of health and social care organizations. The focus of the pathway and the practice development journey was to enable ownership and active collaboration in the assessment and care of people who are either considered at risk of self‐harm, or who have engaged in self‐harming behaviour. The core elements of a practice development methodology were used to plan and manage a significant piece of work aimed at securing lasting changes across a health community by working at individual, team and organizational levels. The value of utilizing a practice development strategy to provide focus for the process, and a collaborative structure for improvements in patient care are illustrated. Practice development has provided a positive and enabling structure that has allowed those involved to enhance practice and care in an area of health care that is often viewed as unpopular and unrewarding. Copyright © 2005 Whurr Publishers Ltd.

Evaluation of the risk assessment matrix: a mental health triage tool

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Emergency Department Re-Presentations Following Intentional Self-Harm

“…A service with increased mental health support based in ED or more mobile units out in the community after hours should be considered. An integrated care pathway for self-harm was implemented across a range of health and social care organisations in the UK (Harrison, Hillier, & Redman, 2005). The emphasis was on ownership and active collaboration in the assessment and care process on the part of many stakeholders, including consumer involvement.…”