The experiences of people with borderline personality disorder admitted to acute psychiatric inpatient wards: a meta-synthesis.

Background

Acute psychiatric inpatient care is recommended for people with borderline personality disorder (BPD) to manage a crisis. Qualitative research exploring service user experience is valuable for the development of evidence-based treatment guidelines. Aim: To conduct a meta-synthesis of qualitative research exploring the experiences of people with BPD on acute psychiatric inpatient wards.

Methods

Literatures searches of five electronic databases. Data were analysed using a three-stage theme identification process.

Results

Eight primary studies and three first-hand accounts met the inclusion criteria. Four overarching themes were found to explain the data: contact with staff and fellow inpatients; staff attitudes and knowledge; admission as a refuge; and the admission and discharge journey.

Conclusions

Similar experiences of acute psychiatric inpatient care were reported by people with BPD across the studies. Opportunities to be listened to and to talk to staff and fellow inpatients, time-out from daily life and feelings of safety and control were perceived as positive elements of inpatient care. Negative experiences were attributed to: a lack of contact with staff, negative staff attitudes, staff's lack of knowledge about BPD, coercive involuntary admission and poor discharge planning.