Development of a learning resource for nurses caring for patients diagnosed with borderline personality disorder in the mental health setting

Cobbs, Olivia (2021) Development of a learning resource for nurses caring for patients diagnosed with borderline personality disorder in the mental health setting. Practicum Report. Memorial University of Newfoundland. (Unpublished)

[English] PDF - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. Download (2MB)

Abstract

Background: Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a complex, highly stigmatized mental health condition. Individuals with BPD have a pattern of behavior that includes unstable relationships, poor impulse control, intense anger, and self-mutilation. The intense symptoms of affected individuals are difficult for nurses to cope with and may lead to strained nurse-patient relationships. Purpose: To support excellent nursing care of individuals with BPD admitted to the provincial mental health facility, using a customized, self-directed educational resource. Methods: The project's development was guided by Knowles' adult learning theory and Peplau's theory of interpersonal relations. Methods were an integrative literature review, consultations with key stakeholders, and an environmental scan of educational resources. Results: The literature supported the challenges associated with nursing care for individuals with BPD and effective nursing interventions to address these challenges. The consultations supported a need for education and key topics to include in the learning resource, while the environmental scan provided invaluable resources to incorporate. A self-directed learning resource was developed with six modules. Each module includes learner objectives, activities, and best practices for caring for this population. Information is provided to facilitate the nurses' understanding of BPD and its challenges and increase their knowledge and use of nursing interventions. Conclusion: The self-directed learning resource meets the learning needs of one group of nurses working in a mental health facility but can be used by any mental health nurse who cares for individuals with BPD. Next steps will be the implementation and evaluation of the learning resource with nurses.

Actions (login required)

View Item