- Guest blog by Jo Lockwood, Camilla Babbage and Ellen Townsend
Jo Lockwood and Camilla Babbage are Research Fellows at NIHR MindTech MedTech Co-operative, Institute of Mental Health, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham. Ellen Townsend is Professor of Psychology and leads the Self-Harm Research Group, School of Psychology, University of Nottingham.
CaTS-app is a digital version of an existing research tool called CaTS (Card sort Task for Self-harm)
Last month, we shared an update about our work on the CaTS-App – ‘Reaching shared understanding, assessment and structured support around self-harm with a young person? The CaTS-app could help with that’.
We now need to understand how the tool could be used in a clinical or community setting. We will use this information in designing the tool with young people who have experience with self-harm.
The survey is now open and we are inviting professionals working across different settings with young people who have self-harmed to share their views on the CaTS-app – which aims to improve shared understanding and assessment of self-harm between young people and professionals.
What does the study involve?
The study involves completing an anonymous survey, and/or taking part in a small focus group or interview.
The survey will take up to 15 minutes to complete.
Participants completing the focus group/interview will receive reimbursement for their time.
Who we would like to hear from
We would love to hear from colleagues who have experience of supporting young people (aged 11-19) who self-harm across different sectors including:
• health and social care, youth work (e.g. CAMHS, GPs, clinicians, A&E staff, social workers)
• educational (e.g. teachers, MHSTs, EMHPs, school nurses, SENCOs)
• third sector professionals (e.g. volunteers and staff)
• and others with an interest in this area
How do I take part?
Before you decide to take part, it is important for you to understand why the research is being done, what it will involve, and who to contact if you have any questions. You can find this information on page 2 of the survey.
Thank you to everyone who takes part – your contribution will help us in the development and implementation of the CaTS assessment tool and provide valuable insight into new tools of benefit for the field of work in general.