An Audit Of The Training Needs For Therapists Providing Rehabilitation For Patients With Self-Inflicted Hand And Forearm Injuries

Abstract

Occupational therapists and physiotherapists from the Nottingham Hand Therapy Group identified a perceived lack of training and confidence in treating patients who had self-inflicted hand and forearm injuries. In an effort to evaluate whether this is a region-wide problem, and to determine if training was available in the local area, an audit was conducted. A postal questionnaire was used to identify the training needs that hand therapists within the Trent region have, with respect to the treatment of patients with self-inflicted hand and forearm injuries. Forty-five questionnaires were sent out, of which 23 (51%) were returned. Results highlight a lack of training for therapists who treat patients that self-harm and that therapists felt they required further education to enhance their knowledge and skills. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines for training to treat patients who self-harm are not being met. Therapists also stated they felt uncomfortable when discussing the mechanism of injury with their patient, but noted that they have support mechanisms within their departments to deal with the consequences that caring for these patients has on themselves.