Perspectives on improvement of services for personality disorder/vulnerabilities with consumers, carers, and peer workers: A lived experience co-produced qualitative study

Introduction: Consumers with personality disorder/vulnerabilities and their carers may not always receive appropriate, compassionate care through health services. Aim/Question: To study experiences of the emergency department, inpatient and outpatient services from the perspectives of people with lived experience of personality disorder/vulnerabilities. Method: Twenty consumers, carers and peer workers with lived experience of personality disorder/vulnerabilities participated in focus groups. Responses were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Peer support was described as a positive way to support consumers with personality disorder/vulnerabilities and their carers. In contrast, experiences of traditional crisis services were mixed with some consumers and carers experiencing helpful responses and others dismissive responses from clinicians. Crisis services for personality disorder may be improved by the provision of peer support, continuity of care and appropriate discharge referrals. Discussion: Negative experiences of crisis care show a need for improved care for personality disorders/vulnerabilities in emergency department and inpatient settings.