An Evaluation of a BPD-Specific Training That Was Developed and Delivered in Collaboration with Experts by Lived Experience on the Attitudes, Empathy and Optimism of Mental Health Professionals

Abstract

Purpose: Individuals with BPD are frequent users of mental health services. Research has shown that individuals with BPD are perceived negatively by mental health clinicians. Educational training has shown to be effective in improving attitudes towards individuals with BPD among mental health clinicians. To date, very few evaluated interventions have been developed and delivered in collaboration with experts by lived experience. This study aimed to evaluate a BPD-specific educational intervention for mental health professionals that was developed and delivered in collaboration with lived experience experts. The impact of the training on clinician attitudes, empathy and treatment optimism towards BPD was examined. Methodology: Clinicians working with individuals with BPD within South Australian Health Networks and community-based services attended a 1-day training on Foundation Skills for Working with Individuals with BPD. A questionnaire to assess attitudes, empathy and treatment optimism towards BPD was completed by 694 clinicians before and after the training. Findings: Attitudes, empathy and optimism were significantly greater post-training. Clinician characteristics related to experience and familiarity with BPD were key factors in determining training outcomes. The findings provide support for clinician training that is developed and delivered in collaboration with lived experience experts. Further research is needed to determine the extent to which the lived experience perspective contributed to training outcomes. Originality: This study adds to the limited literature examining BPD specific education for clinicians that has been developed and delivered in collaboration with experts by lived experience. Key Words: Borderline Personality Disorder, Lived Experience, Education, Training, Health Services, Stigma