Rights statement: This is the peer reviewed version of the following article:Fish, R., Woodward, S. and Duperouzel, H. (2012), ‘Change can only be a good thing:’ staff views on the introduction of a harm minimisation policy in a Forensic Learning Disability service. British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 40: 37–45. doi:10.1111/j.1468-3156.2011.00681.x which has been published in final form at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1468-3156.2011.00681.x/abstract This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance With Wiley Terms and Conditions for self-archiving.
Accepted author manuscript, 147 KB, PDF document
Final published version
Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review
| <mark>Journal publication date</mark> | 03/2012 |
|---|---|
| <mark>Journal</mark> | British Journal of Learning Disabilities |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Volume | 40 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Pages (from-to) | 37-45 |
| Publication Status | Published |
| <mark>Original language</mark> | English |
Recent local research about personal experiences of self-injury and discussions about the use of harm minimisation with service users who self-injure were the motivation behind this study to glean staff opinions and advice about the introduction of a harm minimisation policy. An online survey was designed, and all staff were invited by email to take part. The survey used multiple-choice questions as well as providing room for open comments. Eighty-five per cent of the seventy-one staff that responded were in favour of the introduction of a harm minimisation policy. Common requests for inclusion were: clear, individualised guidelines that include roles and responsibilities, staff and client support systems, client education and staff training and advice about duty of care issues. This exercise has been invaluable in the production of a harm minimisation policy. Services should consider implementing this type of policy on an individual basis.