Self-harm and Violence Presenting to Emergency Care Registry (SAVER) project: protocol for a mixed-methods study

Intentional injuries can be broadly classified into those that are self-inflicted (eg, suicide, self-harm), and those that are inflicted by others (eg, homicide, assault). Many risk factors are the same for all intentional injuries. It is widely accepted that there needs to be a public health approach to self-harm and interpersonal violence prevention, including surveillance of presentations to emergency departments. Self-harm and interpersonal violence are important causes of morbidity and mortality in Wales. Interpersonal violence surveillance is already operationalised in Wales, but variables are limited and case ascertainment may not be complete. There is no self-harm register. The aim of this study is to understand the utility of existing systems in North Wales that collect data about self-harm and interpersonal violence, and how a registry could be implemented to address any unmet needs.

The project consists of five work packages. First, process mapping will be used to understand the pathways by which patients access emergency care, and how data are collected about patients. Second, routinely collected data will be explored to understand the burden of disease, and the strengths and limitations of existing data collection systems. Third, semi-structured interviews will be completed with stakeholders to understand their needs and experiences. Fourth, semi-structured interviews with third sector organisations which work with people with lived experience of self-harm or interpersonal violence will explore the acceptability of data collection. Fifth, a method will be developed that would enable economic evaluation of a self-harm and interpersonal violence register.

Results will be used to understand whether a self-harm and interpersonal violence registry is required in Wales. The results have the potential to influence local and national strategy on intentional injury prevention. Results will be disseminated to local services, regional and national programme teams, and published as a peer-reviewed journal article.