Adapting the VHS to prevent self-harm at CAMHS discharge
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Adapting and implementing a digital volitional help sheet into routine (CAMHS) practice and across systems of care to prevent self-harm recurrence in adolescents
IRAS ID
366752
Contact name
Maria Panagioti
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
What are we planning to do?
This project will adapt the Volitional Help Sheet (VHS), a tool that supports planning coping strategies for self-harm triggers, for adolescents who have self-harmed. We aim to explore whether it can reduce repeated self-harm and how it can be integrated into routine Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) practice, particularly during discharge planning and within digital systems.
Why are we doing this?
Self-harm among young people is a major concern, and CAMHS services face increasing pressure, especially in Greater Manchester where mental health needs are high. Few proven interventions exist for this issue. The VHS, a brief, theory-based tool, has shown promise in reducing self-harm among adults but has not been tested with adolescents. This project builds on previous work to adapt the VHS for young people accessing CAMHS, focusing on its integration into routine practice and its role in safety planning during discharge.
How will we do it?
Using a mixed-methods approach guided by the Engineering Better Care framework, the study will take place in CAMHS services within two trusts.
• Phase 1: “Think-aloud” interviews with 5-8 adolescents to refine the VHS and test outcome measures.
• Phase 2: Focus groups with 20 CAMHS staff and stakeholders to explore integration into current systems, including digital support.
• Phase 3: Workshops with 30 stakeholders to design a future trial.
What will we develop?
Key outputs include an adapted VHS for adolescents, a protocol for a large-scale evaluation, and an implementation strategy for CAMHS.REC name
West Midlands - Edgbaston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/WM/0051
Date of REC Opinion
30 Apr 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion