Deliberate Self Harm: a training initiative

Presentation to conference on the construction - delivery and outcome of a pre registration training initiative involving simulation in the education of mental health nurses when managing deliberate self harm (DSH). Deliberate self harm ranges from actions with no suicidal intent (but intention to communicate distress or relieve tension) through to suicide. Attitudes can have a significant impact on mental health nursing practice with patients who self-harm reporting high levels of stigma and negative attitudes. Mental health Nurses attitudes, knowledge, understanding and competency can be improved by education and training around DSH with simulation providing particular reflective insights not possible from class based teaching.