SAFETYLIT WEEKLY UPDATE

We compile citations and summaries of about 400 new articles every week.
RSS Feed

HELP: Tutorials | FAQ
CONTACT US: Contact info

Search Results

Journal Article

Citation

Mughal F, Troya MI, Dikomitis L, Chew-Graham CA, Corp N, Babatunde OO. Br. J. Gen. Pract. 2020; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Affiliation

Centre for Prognosis Research, School of Primary, Community and Social Care, Keele University, Keele, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, Royal College of General Practitioners)

DOI

10.3399/bjgp20X708257

PMID

32041771

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.

© British Journal of General Practice 2020.


Language: en

Keywords

general practice; primary health care; self-harm; suicide; systematic review

NEW SEARCH


All SafetyLit records are available for automatic download to Zotero & Mendeley
Print