ASsuRED Trial V1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Improving outcomes in patients who self-harm - Adapting and evaluating a brief pSychological inteRvention in Emergency Departments (ASsuRED)
IRAS ID
279991
Contact name
Rose McCabe
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Devon Partnership NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 2 months, 30 days
Research summary
When someone who has harmed themselves is seen in the Emergency Department (ED), a mental health practitioner (MHP) conduct a risk assessment. This includes assessing the patient’s psychological state, social situation and needs for support. However, referring patients to specialized mental health services is often not a realistic option because of limited capacity in services, lengthy waitlists and many patients do not attend or withdraw from treatment. Risk of suicide is greatest in the initial week after discharge from hospital, so rapid follow up care in the days following discharge has the potential to provide a lifesaving intervention for people.
The present study is part of an NIHR-funded research programme called ASsuRED. Between 2019-2021, we have developed a brief intervention and piloted it in four EDs in preparation for this large study. The intervention consists of a therapeutic assessment (adapted from the standard risk assessment), a check-in phonecall within 72-hours and three follow-up sessions using a solution focused approach.
The overall aim of this study is to test whether this intervention is effective compared with usual practice in reducing reattendance to hospital for self-harm. Practitioners will be randomized to delivery treatment as usual or the intervention. Practitioner in the intervention arm will be trained to deliver the intervention. We will recruit 1088 patients, half of whom will receive the intervention and half of whom will receive usual care. If effective, this new approach will improve the mental health of people who harm themselves, reduce their need for healthcare services and Emergency Department attendance, saving money and most importantly, saving lives.
REC name
London - City & East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/LO/0683
Date of REC Opinion
12 Nov 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion