Rapid response pathway united to reduce self-harm (RUSH): a case study of a pilot pathway for children and young people
Journal of Public Mental Health
ISSN: 1746-5729
Article publication date: 5 January 2022
Issue publication date: 10 February 2022
Abstract
Purpose
In response to elevated local self-harm and suicide rates, and the lack of a dedicated pathway for children and young people (CYP) who self-harm, a rapid response pathway united to reduce self-harm (RUSH) was developed and implemented within Norwich (Norfolk, England). This public health case study aims to describe the pathway model and share its outcomes, learnings, and reflections over the pilot year.
Design/methodology/approach
RUSH was a community-based pilot pathway aiming to support CYP, 11–18 years old, engaging in or at risk of engaging in repeated self-harm and subsequently at risk of repeated attendance at local emergency departments. From May 2020 to April 2021, RUSH supported 61 CYP using funding from NHS England and Improvement.
Findings
This case study shares the pathway’s outcomes, through a mixed-method evaluation. Results indicate statistically significant reductions in self-harm frequency (p = 0.01) and anxiety and depression symptomatology (p < 0.001); a statistically significant increase in progress towards goals (p < 0.001); and a general downward trend in re-attendance at local emergency departments following RUSH. Findings also illustrate high service user satisfaction. Framework analysis of focus group data highlights positive experiences with hope for recommissioning from a staff perspective.
Originality/value
This study will be valuable for services looking to develop and implement a similar service provision, in response to the need to tackle self-harm rates as a broader approach to suicide prevention. In light of the NHS long-term plan (2019), it also serves as an example of how to develop and use a strategic co-production group, and work collaboratively with the voluntary, community and social enterprise sectors.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
To all those supporting and delivering the RUSH intervention, including all MAP and NSFT CAIST practitioners and our RUSH Young Advisors.With special thanks to:Hazel Erskine – Senior Youth Mental Health Worker, Mancroft Advice Project (MAP).Tonia Mihill – Head of Therapeutic Services, MAP.Annie Holland – CAIST Clinical Team Leader, Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT).Karen Ezobi – CAIST Community Network Lead, NSFT.Sheryl Parke – Trainee Clinical Psychologist, University of East Anglia (UEA) and NSFT.Ben Carrol – Trainee Clinical Psychologist, UEA and NSFT; and.Dr Brioney Gee – Postdoctoral Researcher, NSFT.Funding: National Health Service England and Improvement.
Citation
Cross, M. and Clarke, T. (2022), "Rapid response pathway united to reduce self-harm (RUSH): a case study of a pilot pathway for children and young people", Journal of Public Mental Health, Vol. 21 No. 1, pp. 15-22. https://doi.org/10.1108/JPMH-09-2021-0112
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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