Factors Influencing Perceived Effectiveness in Dealing with Self-harming Patients in a Sample of Emergency Department Staff

Abstract Background Past self-harming behavior is one of the most significant predictors of future suicide. Each year in Ireland there are approximately 11,000 presentations of self-harm to emergency departments (EDs) across the country. Study Objectives This study examines predictors of perceived p...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of emergency medicine 2012-12, Vol.43 (6), p.1084-1090
Main Authors: Egan, Rachel, BA (Hons), MSc, D.Psych, Sc. Clinical, Sarma, Kiran M., BA, PhD, O'Neill, Meena, BA, PhD
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Attitude of Health Personnel
attitudes
Clinical Competence
effectiveness
Emergency
emergency department
Emergency Medicine
Emergency Nursing
Emergency Service, Hospital
Female
Humans
Ireland
Male
Self Efficacy
self-harm
Self-Injurious Behavior - therapy
Suicide, Attempted
Surveys and Questionnaires
Treatment Outcome
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Summary:Abstract Background Past self-harming behavior is one of the most significant predictors of future suicide. Each year in Ireland there are approximately 11,000 presentations of self-harm to emergency departments (EDs) across the country. Study Objectives This study examines predictors of perceived personal effectiveness in dealing with self-harming patients as reported by ED staff. The predictors are derived from past research and are influenced by Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory. Method One hundred twenty-five ED medical staff (28 doctors and 97 nurses) from five EDs in the West and South of Ireland completed a questionnaire. Predictor variables included in the design, and informed by past research, included knowledge of self-harm and suicidal behavior and confidence in dealing with incidents of self-harm. Results Standard multiple regression suggested a statistically significant model fit between the two predictors and the criterion variable, accounting for 24% of total variance. Knowledge and Confidence were significant contributors to perceived personal effectiveness in dealing with self-harming patients. Conclusions Little is known regarding specific factors that influence perceived effectiveness in dealing with self-harming patients in the ED setting. These findings have implications for psycho-education and training content for staff. The findings suggest that increasing knowledge of self-harm and confidence in dealing with self-harming patients can lead to more positive perceived personal effectiveness in responding to clients' needs.
ISSN:0736-4679
2352-5029
DOI:10.1016/j.jemermed.2012.01.049