Emergency department nurses' learning and evolving perspectives in interacting with patients who self-harm. An explorative interview study of the use of a mobile application

SAFE is a mobile application co-created for and by people who have experienced self-harm, either themselves or as next of kin. This study intended to integrate SAFE into an Emergency Department (ED) to help patients share experiences of self-harm and to support professionals in conducting treatment as usual (TAU). This study was a part of a Co-operative Inquiry in which a learning intervention was implemented, followed by an interview study exploring ED nurses' reflections and learnings while integrating SAFE into their practice. Thirteen semi-structured interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. The nurses imagined that SAFE could be a positive game changer. However, they were hesitant due to uncertainty about the ED context, the value of the app and their skills. Supplying TAU with technology is challenging and future digital solutions must be created in partnership to ensure the solutions are customised to the target group.