Service innovations: Development of a psychoeducational programme for patients with personality disorder

Abstract

Aims and method: This study describes a survey of in-patients with personality disorder admitted to a specialist personality disorder unit, in terms of their knowledge and understanding of their diagnosis, and the subsequent development of a psychoeducational programme. Results: Overall, patients had a poor knowledge and understanding of their diagnosis. Most had not had their diagnosis explained to them, and if they had, they had not retained the information. Consequently a structured psychoeducational programme was developed, incorporating diagnostic information obtained at the pre-admission assessment. Clinical implications: Diagnostic information for those with personality disorder, even when it is available, is not transmitted to patients. Imparting this information through a psychoeducational programme is one way in which the therapeutic relationship between patient and clinician can be strengthened.