Assessment Rates and Compliance With Assertive Follow-Up After Self-Harm: Cohort Study

This study identified the proportion of self-harm episodes that resulted in assessment by a specialist self-harm team & offers, attendance, & completion of brief therapy, & the factors associated with these treatment options. A prospective cohort study of 717 hospital presentations of self-harm was conducted. Rates of assessment, offers, & completion of therapy ranged from 50-60%. Of those offered therapy, 73% attended one or more sessions. Attendance was associated with depressive psychopathology & existing treatment in primary care. Results may reflect some of the challenges of engaging this patient group. It was found receipt of treatment was determined by patient factors. (57 refs.) JA