Abstract
BackgroundSelf-harm is a growing concern and rates of self-harm in young people (aged 12–25 years) presenting to general practice are rising. There is, however, little evidence about young people’s experiences of GP care and on accessing general practice.AimTo explore the help-seeking behaviours, experiences of GP care, and access to general practice of young people who self-harm.Design and settingIn this qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with young people aged 16–25 years from England with previous self-harm behaviour.MethodInterviews with 13 young people took place between April and November 2019. Young people were recruited from the community, third-sector organisations, 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.ResultsYoung people described the avenues of help-seeking they employ and reflected on the mixed experiences of seeing GPs that can influence future help-seeking. Preconceptions and a lack of knowledge about accessing general practice were found to be barriers to help-seeking. GPs who attempt to understand the young person and establish relationship-based care can facilitate young people accessing general practice for self-harm.ConclusionIt is important young people are aware of how to access general practice 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.
Highlights
Self-harm in young people is a national public health concern.[1]
In young people who have died by suicide, over 50% had a past history of self-harm.[8]
Episodes of selfharm in young people presenting to general practice have increased, and young people who self-harm see GPs the most in the NHS.[9,10,11,12]
Summary
Self-harm in young people is a national public health concern.[1]. Defined as selfpoisoning or self-injury regardless of intent, self-harm is the strongest risk factor for suicide, increasing suicide risk by 50 times.[23]. In young people (aged 10–24 years) there is a 26% lifetime prevalence of self-harm, with self-cutting the most prevalent method in the community.[6,7] In young people who have died by suicide, over 50% had a past history of self-harm.[8] Episodes of selfharm in young people presenting to general practice have increased, and young people who self-harm (aged 16–24 years) see GPs the most in the NHS.[9,10,11,12] A fear of negative reactions has been identified as a barrier to accessing services for young people who self-harm, and only a few facilitators have been identified for help-seeking.[13]. Self-harm is a growing concern and rates of self-harm in young people (aged 12–25 years) presenting to general practice are rising. There is, little evidence about young people’s experiences of GP care and on accessing general practice
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