Nurses' attitudes towards patients with borderline personality disorders

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the attitudes of nurses towards patients with a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder in Mount Carmel Hospital. Moreover, it also hoped to elicit the knowledge, views and opinions of the nurses concerning the care and available treatment delivered to these patients and how it might be improved. A quantitative survey was used for the purpose of this study using an adapted version of previously established tools by Bowers (2000) and Cleary et al (2002). A convenience sample of 83 nurses was chosen from the MAW, FWl, MWl, DDU, Seclusion, and the SSPU within the local psychiatric hospital. A 15 item questionnaire was administered to the chosen participants to collect demographic information and assess their attitudes towards BPD patients. 67 of which were returned. Data was analyzed manually since the study was carried out on a small scale. Most nurses reported (n=25) that they come into contact with BPD patients on a daily basis. 29 respondents found dealing with patients who have BPD to be slightly to very difficult whilst 48 nurses felt that dealing with this patient group was more difficult than dealing with other psychiatric diagnosis. The majority (n=44) of nurses' attitudes towards working with patients with BPD are neutral but most of the staff (n=l 7) also tend to perceive them as a difficult patient group to work with. The staff appeared to have good knowledge regarding the diagnosis and treatment of BPD. However, they also indicated willingness to gain further education and training on the management of this patient group. Data suggests that nurses want to improve their interactions with BPD patients therefore provi~ion of training;, educational programmes and support of staff should be provided to possibly improve attitudes and overall care of BPD patients. Moreover, similar studies should be undertaken to establish progress in reduction of negative attitudes.