Understanding wound care in self-harm (HHS-2026-10)

About the Project

Self-harm remains a significant public health concern, and people who self-harm often report negative or stigmatising experiences when seeking care. While existing support frequently focuses on psychological assessment and risk management, less attention has been given to experiences of wound care and self-management following self-injury. Some individuals may avoid formal healthcare due to previous negative experiences, instead managing wounds themselves, which can increase the risk of infection, delayed treatment, and further distress.

This MSc project will explore how people who self-harm experience wound care and what could improve their care experiences. The study will focus on how individuals perceive, access, and engage with wound care, including barriers to seeking professional support and views on self-compassionate wound care approaches.

The project will involve a systematic review and qualitative data collection through semi-structured interviews or focus groups with people who have lived experience of self-harm. Findings will help identify how wound care support could be made more compassionate, acceptable, and responsive to service users’ needs.

This project aligns with mental health, public health, and allied health research priorities. It has potential to inform future development of compassionate wound care resources and improve understanding of how physical and emotional aspects of self-harm care can be better integrated.

For subject specific enquiries please contact: J.Blackburn3@hud.ac.uk