Compassionate care for people who self-harm principles, tools and techniques

This module offers insights into compassionate care for people who self-harm and advice on how to provide it. It describes tools and techniques for enhancing compassion in the care of people who self-harm including formulation, urge surfing, compassionate kit bags and compassionate wound care. Don't forget that you do not have to complete our two-hour learning modules all in one go. Tailor your learning to fit into your busy schedule by undertaking one or two sections at a time. You can stop and save your learning at any point and pick up where you left off when you return. Learning aims and intended outcomes After completing the module and time out activities, you should be able to: Summarise the self-harm quality statements published by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). List the elements of the psychosocial assessment mental health professionals should conduct with patients after an episode of self-harm. Discuss the concept of compassion as a continuous flow. Describe the potential benefits of using interventions informed by compassion-focused therapy to support people who self-harm. Explain the urge surfing technique and the concept of a compassionate kit bag. Disclaimer Please note that information provided by RCNi Learning is not sufficient to ensure competence in the skill. Assessment of competence should take place in line with local practice. Practice should always align with local protocols and procedures, latest guidelines and any regulatory code. All modules should currently be viewed together with available national and local Covid-19 guidelines. For advice, go to www.rcn.org.uk/covid-19

Resource last reviewed

26 Mar 2025

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