The CO-produced Psychosocial INtervention delivered by GPs to young people after self-harm (COPING): protocol for a feasibility study [version 2; peer review: 2 approved]

Abstract

Background Self-harm in young people is a growing concern and reducing rates a global priority. Rates of self-harm documented in general practice have been increasing for young people in the UK in the last two decades, especially in 13–16-year-olds. General practitioners (GPs) can intervene early after self-harm but there are no effective treatments presently available. We developed the GP-led COPING intervention, in partnership with young people with lived experience and GPs, to be delivered to young people 16–25 years across two consultations. This study aims to examine the feasibility and acceptability of conducting a fully powered effectiveness trial of the COPING intervention in NHS general practice. Methods This will be a mixed-methods external non-randomised before-after single arm feasibility study in NHS general practices in the West Midlands, England. Patients aged 16–25 years who have self-harmed in the last 12 months will be eligible to receive COPING. Feasibility outcomes will be recruitment rates, intervention delivery, retention rates, and completion of follow-up outcome measures. All participants will receive COPING with a target sample of 31 with final follow-up data collection at six months from baseline. Clinical data such as self-harm repetition will be collected. A nested qualitative study and national survey of GPs will explore COPING acceptability, deliverability, implementation, and likelihood of contamination. Discussion Brief GP-led interventions for young people after self-harm are needed to address national guideline and policy recommendations. This study of the COPING intervention will assess whether a main trial is feasible. Registration ISRCTN (ISRCTN16572400; 28.11.2023).

Keywords

• Protocol
• self-harm
• young people
• general practice
• general practitioner
• feasibility
• eng