Experiences of general practice care for self-harm: a qualitative study of young people's perspectives.

Dikomitis, L; Babatunde, O; Chew-Graham, C; Mughal, F

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Self-harm is a growing concern and rates of self-harm in young people presenting to general practice are rising. There is however an absence of evidence on young people's experiences of GP care and on accessing general practice. AIM: To explore the help-seeking behaviours, experiences of GP care, and access to general practice for young people who self-harm. DESIGN AND SETTING: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with young people aged 16-25 from England with previous self-harm behaviour. METHOD: Interviews with 13 young people occurred between April and November 2019. Young people were recruited from the community, third-sector organisation, and Twitter. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis with principles of constant comparison. A patient and public involvement advisory group informed recruitment strategies and supported interpretation of findings. RESULTS: Young people described avenues of help-seeking they employ and reflected on mixed experiences of seeing GPs which can influence future help-seeking. Preconceptions and a lack of knowledge on accessing general practice were found to be barriers to help-seeking. GPs who attempted to understand the young person and establishing relationship-based care can facilitate young people accessing general practice care for self-harm. CONCLUSION: It is therefore important young people are aware how to access general practice care and that GPs listen, understand, and proactively follow-up young people who self-harm. Supporting young people with self-harm behaviour requires continuity of care.

Citation

Dikomitis, L., Babatunde, O., Chew-Graham, C., & Mughal, F. (2021). Experiences of general practice care for self-harm: a qualitative study of young people's perspectives. British Journal of General Practice (BJGP), E744-E752. https://doi.org/10.3399/BJGP.2021.0091

• Acceptance Date: Apr 26, 2021
• Publication Date: May 4, 2021
• Journal: British Journal of General Practice
• Print ISSN: 0960-1643
• Publisher: Royal College of General Practitioners
• Pages: E744-E752
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3399/BJGP.2021.0091
• Keywords: family medicine; help-seeking behaviour; primary healthcare; qualitative research; self-injurious behaviour; youth
• Publisher URL: https://bjgp.org/content/early/2021/04/29/BJGP.2021.0091