Citation

Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Hu D, Liu Y, Ding X, Xu K, Wu M, Wang J. Int. Emerg. Nurs. 2023; 69: e101297.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2023, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.ienj.2023.101297

PMID

37348238

Abstract

QUESTION: The incidence of self-injurious behavior in adolescents and young adults is on the rise. Seeking care in the emergency department after self-injurious behavior is one way they signal for help. The purpose of this systematic evaluation was to synthesize the best available qualitative research evidence on young people's experiences of emergency department visits following self-harm behaviors and their need for emergency medical services. STUDY SELECTION AND ANALYSIS: Eleven databases were retrieved with predefined search terms from database construction to February 4, 2022. Literature was screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria and quality assessment.

FINDINGS: Eleven studies yielded fifty-five findings that were summarized into eight categories and aggregated into three composite statements: (1) positive emergency department experience; (2) negative emergency department experience; and (3) desire for help.

CONCLUSIONS: Young people with a history of self-injurious behavior have a mixed sense of experience in the emergency department. The sense of negative experience makes patients feel dissatisfied and disappointed with healthcare services, and positive experiences can help them seek further help. The emergency departments should improve the diagnosis and treatment model of self-injured adolescent patients to ensure that they receive effective and high-quality medical resources.

Language: en

Keywords

Young adults; Adolescents; Systematic review; Qualitative; Emergency service; Lived experience; Self-injurious behavior