@article{discovery10086046, note = {This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher's terms and conditions.}, title = {A feasibility study highlighting challenges in evaluating a structured, psychological treatment for self-harm in adult psychiatric inpatient settings}, journal = {Psychiatry Research}, volume = {282}, month = {December}, year = {2019}, keywords = {Dialectical-behavioural therapy, Feasibility, Self-har}, issn = {1872-7123}, url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2019.112609}, author = {Fife, S and Blumenfeld, F and Williams, C and Wood, L}, abstract = {BACKGROUND: Despite being the most common reason for admission to psychiatric inpatient services, no evidence-based treatment currently exists for self-harm in this setting. Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) trials have found promising results in treating self-harm in outpatient settings; however findings for inpatient settings are still limited. METHOD: A single-arm feasibility trial was conducted examining a DBT-informed 'Coping with Crisis' (CwC) group protocol, which focused on self-harm and crisis management strategies. Twenty-four participants were recruited from an inpatient ward in a National Health Service (NHS) Trust in the UK. The Inventory of Statements about Self-Injury and Distress Tolerance Scale were administered at baseline and post-therapy. Data was collected on the rates of recruitment, retention, session attendance, outcome measure completion, adverse events and participant feedback, in order to inform the design of a main study. RESULTS: Findings indicated that it was feasible to run the CWC group and research study on an inpatient ward. However, there were several challenges in recruiting to target (80\% achieved) and retaining participants (38\% of consented participants completed). A number of implementation issues were identified and recommendations have been made to inform future group and study designs.} }