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Waller, Gillian, Newbury-Birch, Dorothy, Simpson, Diane, Armstrong, Emma, James, Becky, Chapman, Lucy, Fahrin, Ahmed and Ferguson, Jennifer (2023) The Barriers and Facilitators to the Reporting and Recording of Self-harm in Young People aged 18 and under: A Systematic Review. BMC Public Health, 23 (158). pp. 1-21. ISSN 1471-2458

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Abstract

Abstract

Background and Aims
This systematic review sought to identify, explain and interpret the prominent or recurring themes relating to the barriers and facilitators of reporting and recording of self-harm in young people across different settings such as the healthcare setting, schools and the criminal justice setting.

Methods
A search strategy was developed to ensure all relevant literature around the reporting and recording of self-harm in young people was obtained. Literature searches were conducted in six databases and a grey literature search of policy documents and relevant material was also conducted. Due to the range of available literature, both quantitative and qualitative methodologies were considered for inclusion.

Results
Following the completion of the literature searches and sifting, nineteen papers were eligible for inclusion. Facilitators to reporting self-harm across the different settings were found to be recognising self-harm behaviours, using passive screening, training and experience, positive communication, and safe, private information sharing. Barriers to reporting self-harm included confidentiality concerns, negative perceptions of young people, communication difficulties, stigma, staff lacking knowledge around self-harm, and a lack of time, money and resources.

Whilst facilitators to recording self-harm across the different settings included being open to discussing what is recorded, services working together and co-ordinated help. Barriers to recording self-harm were mainly around stigma, the information being recorded and the ability of staff being able to do so, and their length of professional experience.

Conclusion
Following the review of the current evidence, it was apparent that there was still progress to be made to improve the reporting and recording of self-harm in young people, across the different settings. Future work should concentrate on better understanding the facilitators, whilst aiming to ameliorate the barriers.

Item Type: Article
Related URLs:
Depositing User: Diane Simpson
URI: https://sure.sunderland.ac.uk/id/eprint/15646

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Item ID
15646
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ISSN
1471-2458

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ORCID for Gillian Waller
ORCID for Dorothy Newbury-Birch
ORCID for Diane Simpson
ORCID for Jennifer Ferguson

Catalogue record

Date Deposited
20 Feb 2023 11:53
Last Modified
03 Jun 2025 15:39

Contributors

Author
Emma Armstrong
Author
Becky James
Author
Lucy Chapman
Author
Ahmed Fahrin

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