Self-harm: what do service users say?

Self-harm is increasingly common in many countries, is often repeated and is associated with a range of other problems including an increased risk of suicide. A review of the international literature on service users' satisfaction with clinical services looked at 31 studies. Service users' experiences had a lot in common all over the world. Poor communication between patients and staff and a perceived lack of knowledge of staff were common themes and many participants suggested that psychosocial assessments and access to after-care needed to be improved.

Taylor, Tatiana L. ... [et al] - Attitudes towards clinical services among people who self-harm: systematic review British Journal of Psychiatry February 2009, 194(2), 104-110