TY - JOUR PY - 2018// TI - A systematic literature review of experiences of professional care and support among people who self-harm JO - Archives of suicide research A1 - Lindgren, Britt-Marie A1 - Göran Svedin, Carl A1 - Werkö, Sophie SP - 173 EP - 192 VL - 22 IS - 2 N2 - Background Self-harm is an increasing phenomenon among young people, with potentially fatal outcomes. Patient's perceptions of treatment and support are poorly documented. Aim The aim was to synthesise the experiences of those who self-harm, with special reference to professional care and support by family, friends and the school system.

METHOD A systematic review of the literature was conducted.

RESULTS Following retrieval of 1,623 abstracts, 14 studies were included in the final analysis, 11 of which are reported here. Two quantitative studies as well as one mixed method study on self-care could not be reported on here due to word limitations. Adult people who self-harm described the importance of quality in the caring relationship and a tailored care designed for each individual. There is a need for more studies into adolescents who self-harm but of importance is the adolescents need for support from the adult world.

CONCLUSIONS A positive relationship between patient and healthcare professional can be crucial in motivating continued treatment of people who self-harm. A major priority is radical improvement in the attitudes of healthcare personnel.

Language: en

LA - en SN - 1381-1118 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13811118.2017.1319309 ID - ref1 ER -