Staff Views of a Deliberate Self-Harm Protocol for Children and Young People

An audit to evaluate a protocol for the management of children & young people presenting with self-harm was undertaken at Calderdale & Huddersfield NHS Trust (United Kingdom). The objectives were to review current practice & to identify strengths & challenges. The audit showed that most staff were aware of the written procedure for obtaining a specialist assessment by the child & adolescent mental health services, but that feedback was inconsistent & there was a need for improved communication between health professionals. (9 refs.)