# Psychiatric nurses’ experiences of using a model to improve relationships of couples with borderline personality disorder

## TL;DR

Psychiatric nurses used a new model to help couples where one partner has borderline personality disorder, finding it helpful but facing some challenges.

## Contribution

The study introduces a novel psychiatric nursing model for supporting couples with BPD and evaluates its implementation and acceptance.

## Key findings

- The model empowered nurses to support couples with BPD effectively.
- Positive outcomes were observed in improving relationships using the model.
- Challenges and suggestions for expanding the model's reach were identified.

## Abstract

Individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) struggle with relationships because of impulsivity and emotional regulation difficulties. Specialised skills are needed for care, but existing models are lacking. A new model was developed to help psychiatric nurses support couples with one partner having BPD. This innovative psychiatric nursing model emphasises the need for implementation and evaluation in care.

To explore the psychiatric nurses’ experiences of implementation of a model to facilitate constructive intra- and interpersonal relationships for couples in a relationship where one is living with BPD.

The study was conducted at a mental health institution in Gauteng province where the one partner with BPD receives treatment.

The study adopted a qualitative, exploratory design conducting in-depth interviews with psychiatric nurses who implemented the model, triangulated with observations and field notes and analysed thematically.

Four themes emerged, namely: (1) the model served as a helpful tool for empowerment; (2) the positive results yielded by the model; (3) challenges related to using the model; and (4) suggestions for expanding the model’s reach. The psychiatric nurses found the model acceptable and feasible to facilitate the relationships of couples where one is living with BPD.

Psychiatric nurses need guidelines to enhance care for individuals with BPD, highlighting the importance of implementing supportive models to improve relationships in various settings.

Implementation of this model is unique in the care of persons living with BPD making it a valuable tool for psychiatric nurses in mental health care provision.