Interventions infirmières en regard du phénomène de l’automutilation en milieu pédopsychiatrique : étude qualitative exploratoire
Nurses in the field of child psychiatry are familiar with the phenomenon of self-harm among adolescents because, when the situation arises, they are often called upon to intervene. However, sometimes misunderstandings, misperceptions and negatives attitudes in regard to self-harm may impair their ability to work with the patients involved.  This study seeks to explore self-harm from the standpoint of nurses in child psychiatry, describe recommended nursing interventions and outline organizational-context factors that may affect the way these interventions are executed.   An exploratory qualitative research approach was adopted, and several data-gathering methods were used, including interviews with participants and a period of observation in the unit in which the study was conducted. Analysis of the verbatim records in accordance with the procedure developed by Tesch (1990) elicited seven categories of nursing interventions: helping relationships, guidance, evaluation, safety, teaching, emotions and perceptions of self-harm, and prevention of social contamination. Three categories of factors that influence these interventions also emerged: interpersonal team work, nurses’ duties in child psychiatry, and the organizational culture in which members of the care team operate.   The results of this study will help nurses better understand adolescent self-harm. The study further suggests possible approaches that might help nurses in child psychiatry improve their interventions. The findings may also make it possible for the management of institutions to bring about changes, particularly in terms of work organization and training for nurses in the field.
étude qualitative self-mutilation self-harm self-injurious behaviors psychiatry nursing interventions organizational context factors adolescents qualitative study