Reducing self-harm in psychiatric hospitals

A study of patients and staff in acute psychiatric wards has found that increased rates of turnover of patients on the wards may be linked to an increased incidence of self-harm. Researchers from City University received 50,000 responses to a questionnaire sent to 136 of the 500 acute care psychiatric units in England. The study found that the most effective way to reduce self-harm and suicide attempts is by regularly checking on patients, increasing the proportion of qualified nurses on wards and organising more patient activity sessions. Regular checks rather than constant observation were preferred by the patients and cost less. High volumes of admissions to a ward were linked with increased rates of self-harm among patients.

You can find out more about the research at

http://www.city.ac.uk/news/archive/2007/05_may/14052007_2.html