The experience of participating in Individual Placement and Support (IPS) employment program for individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder

Background This is the first study to explore the experiences of people with BPD in an IPS employment program. Understanding the experiences of individuals with BPD can assist those delivering IPS employment programs to ensure that they are effectively meeting the needs of this diagnostic group. Objective To understand the experiences and perspectives of individuals who participated in a pilot Individual Placement and Support (IPS) program for people with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Methods Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with four people who had participated in the pilot program and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Participants were invited to provide feedback on draft themes, which informed the final analysis. Results Factors that shaped the participants’ generally positive experiences of the program fell into three broad themes. ‘Wanting to do it’ came from having work-related goals, a perception that it was the right time and a sense of being in control. ‘Somebody on your side’ described participants’ experience of relationship with their employment consultant being characterised by understanding, encouragement and flexibility. Finally, ‘it’s all in one place’ centred on their experience of the integration of the mental health service and employment program as increasing trust, accessibility, and support. Conclusions IPS was well accepted by participants in this study with findings highlighting factors that supported this acceptability. Further research investigating the perspectives and outcomes of IPS for individuals with BPD is suggested.