The Self-harm, Assessment, Formulation, Engagement Trial of Psychodynamic Interpersonal Therapy (SAFE-PIT)

RESEARCH QUESTION: Is brief psychodynamic interpersonal therapy (PIT) plus best care effective for people who attend hospital following self-harm (SH) compared to best care?

BACKGROUND: SH is associated with high rates of psychological morbidity, poor quality of life and increased suicide risk. Lack of a definitive trial of psychological therapy for SH has limited the development of services.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the clinical and cost-effectiveness of PIT plus best care compared to best care alone. METHODS Design: Multicentre RCT with embedded qualitative study, internal pilot and cost-effectiveness analysis.

Health Technology: 4 sessions of manualised PIT (+ optional 2 booster sessions). Best care according to NICE consists of a psychosocial and risk assessment and care plan. Participants will be individually-randomised (1:1) via stratified minimisation with random element. Setting: 12 hospital Emergency Departments (EDs) with liaison mental health teams.

Population: Adults 18-years and over who attend hospital after intentional SH with a history of