Self-harm and suicide are significant public health issues and have implications for individuals, family members and the wider health service. Although hospitals are important settings for self-harm interventions, few studies in Ireland or internationally have shown how clinical management impacts on patient outcomes. To this end, the aim of my research project is to improve services for self-harm in Ireland by examining the routine clinical management of self-harm in hospitals, and by evaluating how the roll-out of a national clinical programme (NCP) for self-harm has impacted on individuals presenting to hospital with self-harm. This project consists of three interrelated work packages. Work Package 1 is a national linkage study, examining the factors contributing to the clinical management of self-harm and subsequent risk of repeat self-harm, suicide and premature mortality. Work Package 2 will examine the impact of the phased implementation of the NCP on patient outcomes, processes of care and economic savings. Work Package 3 is an implementation science study, assessing the determinants contributing to the implementation of the NCP in Irish hospitals. This project will maximise the use of national data from the unique resource of the National Self-Harm Registry Ireland as well as official mortality data. A mixedmethods approach will deliver actionable findings which will contribute to optimising services and outcomes for individuals who engage in self-harm, ultimately reducing deaths by suicide and other external causes. Findings will directly inform service delivery and contribute to national policy. This project will be of international relevance and will progress the methodologies used in this research field. As Lead Applicant, I will be supported by a mentor who is a world-leading epidemiologist. My co-applicants represent a diverse team of researchers and clinicians with expertise in suicide research, public health, psychiatry and implementation science.
