Predictable, Collaborative and Safe: Healthcare Provider Experiences of Introducing Brief Admissions by Self-referral for Self-harming and Suicidal Persons with a History of Extensive Psychiatric Inpatient Care

Issues Ment Health Nurs. 2019 Jul;40(7):548-556. doi: 10.1080/01612840.2019.1585497. Epub 2019 May 17.

Abstract

People with severe self-harming behavior and histories of lengthy psychiatric inpatient admissions can represent a challenge to care providers. This interview-based study illuminates healthcare provider experiences (n = 12) of Brief Admission (BA) among self-harming individuals, with >180 days of psychiatric admission the previous year. Qualitative content analysis revealed that providers experienced benefits of increased predictability, and a shift from trigger and conflict to collaboration with individuals admitted to BA. Staff participants expressed an increased sense of safety and a strengthened link between inpatient and outpatient caregiving. Results indicated that BA is a promising intervention for self-harming individuals with extensive psychiatric histories.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Clinical Competence
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Humans
  • Medical History Taking
  • Mental Health Services
  • Patient Admission*
  • Qualitative Research
  • Referral and Consultation*
  • Self-Injurious Behavior / diagnosis
  • Self-Injurious Behavior / psychology
  • Self-Injurious Behavior / therapy*
  • Suicidal Ideation*