Paper: Using the Self-Mutilation Assessment Tool “SLICE” for Emergency Room (20th International Nursing Research Congress Focusing on Evidence-Based Practice)

Tuesday, 14 July 2009: 8:30 AM

Karen Hamilton, PhD, RN
Kimberly A. Williams, DNSc, APRN, BC
Katherine A. Bydalek, PhD, FNP-BC
Community Mental Health, University of South Alabama College of Nursing, Mobile, AL

Learning Objective 1: 1. To determine two signs and symptoms of self-mutilations in the Emergency Department

Learning Objective 2: 2. To identify how the SLICE tool can be used in Emergency Department settings.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to use a new assessment form to identify risk factors of self-mutilation in adolescents and adults. Application was focused on Emergency Department settings.

Methods: Risk factors were reviewed using an EBSCO data base search and were categorized under each section of the Scars, Links, Injuries, Clothing, and Environment (SLICE) assessment tool. Opinions of 5 psychiatric and other professionals of different disciplines were reviewed for construct reliability and used for identified needed revisions. The tool was tested for inter-rater reliability.

Results:

Minimal changes have been required for the assessment tool after review from Psychiatric Professionals. Inter-rater reliability reported good reliability.

Conclusion:

The SLICE tool can be used in the emergency department setting for early diagnosis and intervention. Further study using multiple discipline settings and cultures are needed.

See more of: Forensic Nursing Issues
See more of: Research Sessions – Oral Paper & Posters