SAMASTH - Systems Approach for Management of Self-Harm

Hospitals - particularly emergency departments - are often the first point of care for individuals following self-harm, making them critical settings for suicide prevention. SAMASTH strengthens the systems that identify, assess, and manage self-harm inside hospitals, bridging the gap between medical stabilization and structured follow-up.

Four components of SAMASTH

• Establishing an electronic self-harm register (e-SHR) for surveillance

• Capacity building among non-specialists through digitally assisted mental health assessments

• Enhancement of clinical staff mental health literacy

• Structured training programmes for continuing professional development

GMHAT

The Global Mental Health Assessment Tool (GMHAT), a novel digital mental health application, is being integrated in hospitals under SAMASTH. The tool, which has been translated into Kannada by the Department for International Development (DFID-UK) was developed for administration by non-specialists to aid in mental health diagnostics and care planning in LMICs. Training for the project staff have been initiated for implementation of the tool among healthcare professionals.

Focus

Strengthening surveillance in hospital settings to identify, assess, and manage self-harm.

Support

Funded by Wellcome Trust / DBT India Alliance.