CompletedInterventional

A brief psychological intervention for self-harm in Emergency Departments

Many people visit hospital Emergency Departments (A&E) across the UK each year because of self-harm. Right now, mental health teams are often stretched, and people do not always get the continuous care they need after going home. The ASsuRED study is testing a new, brief psychological support approach in four London-area hospitals. If you take part, you will have a detailed mental health review and create a personal safety plan with a specialist while in the hospital. Over the next three months, you will have three follow-up meetings with the very same practitioner. Researchers will check in with you after six months to see how you are doing. The goal is to find out if this quick, dedicated care helps people feel better supported, stay safe, and avoid future self-harm. If successful, this programme could be expanded to hospitals across the NHS.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Enrolment target

Start

04 Feb 2020

Estimated completion

31 Jan 2023

Self-harm

What is this study about?

Every year, thousands of people attend hospital Emergency Departments (A&E) after self-harming. Going to hospital in emotional distress can feel frightening and lonely. While specialist mental health workers are based in many emergency rooms, services are often under heavy pressure. People may not always get the ongoing support they need once they leave the hospital, which can leave them feeling stranded.

The ASsuRED study is exploring a better, kinder way to provide immediate support. Instead of a standard quick assessment, patients receive a specially adapted therapeutic session. During this session, you and a mental health professional work together to build a personal safety plan. This plan focuses on practical ways to cope when painful feelings arise again.

To make sure you are not left to manage alone after leaving A&E, you will also be invited to three follow-up sessions over three months with the exact same healthcare worker you met in hospital. Seeing a familiar face helps build trust and continuity of care.

Researchers are testing this new approach in four hospitals to see if it is practical and helpful for patients and staff. If it works well, it could lead to a much larger study and eventually change routine NHS care across the entire country, helping thousands of people find hope and stay safe.

Key takeaways

A pilot study testing a new psychological support and safety planning service in A&E.
Open to people aged 16 and over who attend four participating London-area hospitals for self-harm.
Involves three follow-up sessions over three months with the same healthcare worker you met in hospital.
No study medications are involved; the focus is on talking therapy and practical safety plans.
Designed to help the NHS find better, more continuous ways to support people in emotional crisis.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to people aged 16 and older who come to a participating hospital Emergency Department after self-harming. This includes self-poisoning or physical self-injury, regardless of the reasons behind it. To join, you need to be able to understand the study details and give your own written consent.

The study is not suitable for everyone. You cannot take part if you need to be admitted directly to a psychiatric hospital, or if you are currently experiencing psychosis (such as hearing voices or seeing things that others do not). It is also not suitable for people with memory or cognitive conditions like dementia, those who require an interpreter, or people under specific Ministry of Justice legal restrictions.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am aged 16 or over.
I have attended one of the four participating hospital A&E departments due to self-harm.
I can make my own informed decision to join the study without needing an interpreter.
I am not being admitted directly to a psychiatric inpatient ward.
I am not currently experiencing a psychotic episode or severe cognitive condition.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part begins while you are in the Emergency Department. A trained mental health practitioner will sit down with you for an adapted assessment to explore your feelings and help you build a personalised safety plan. There are no study medications or medical drugs involved. After leaving hospital, you will have three follow-up appointments with that same practitioner over the next three months, either in person or by phone. At six months, a researcher will contact you for a final check-in to see how you are feeling. You may also be invited to an optional interview to share your thoughts on the care you received. In total, your participation lasts around six months.

Potential risks and benefits

Talking about self-harm and distress can sometimes feel emotionally draining. If you feel upset at any time, the practitioner or researcher can pause or stop right away. On the other hand, many people find it helpful to be listened to with compassion and to leave hospital with a clear, personal safety plan. Taking part also lets you use your experience to help improve future NHS care for others in crisis. Joining is completely voluntary, and you are free to leave the study at any time without your regular NHS medical care being affected.

Locations (4)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Newham University Hospital
Unverified
London, England
St Helier Hospital
Unverified
Carshalton, England
East Surrey Hospital
Unverified
Redhill, England
Royal London Hospital
Unverified
London, England

Common questions

Do I have to take any new medications in this trial?

No. This study only involves psychological support and safety planning. It does not test or prescribe any medications.

Which hospitals are taking part?

The trial is running in four emergency departments: Royal London Hospital, Newham University Hospital, St Helier Hospital, and East Surrey Hospital.

Will I see a different person at every visit?

No. One of the main goals of this study is continuity, so you will see the same mental health worker for your hospital assessment and follow-up sessions.

What happens if I feel too distressed to continue?

You can take a break or stop the session at any moment. The staff will support you, and your safety and comfort always come first.

Will taking part affect my normal NHS care?

No. Whether you choose to take part or decide to stop, you will still receive standard NHS medical and mental health care.

How to find out more

Sally O'Keeffe

Sally.OKeeffe@city.ac.uk +44 (0)2070405323 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.