A STATE-WIDE INITIATIVE TO IMPROVE HEALTH SYSTEM RESPONSES TO PEOPLE WITH BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER SYMPTOMS IN CRISIS: A RETROSPECTIVE AUDIT

Dianna R. Bartsch, Cathy Mcleod Everitt, Jana Bednarz, Cathy Ludbrook, Paul Cammell

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Gold Card SA is a four-session structured psychological intervention offered soon after an acute crisis presentation to people with symptoms characteristic of borderline personality disorder. This study describes individual and system-level outcomes from a large-scale health-care improvement initiative to implement Gold Card SA across South Australia. An uncontrolled pre–post study design was utilized examining service user (n = 332) patient-reported outcome measures and hospital service utilization records (6 months before and after Gold Card SA). Mixed-effects negative binomial regression analysis revealed a significant decrease in rates of service utilization across emergency department presentations (63%), mental health–related inpatient admissions (65%), and bed days (82%). Linear mixed-effect regression indicated large reductions in borderline symptoms and nonspecific psychological distress, and small to moderate improvements in psychosocial functioning. People presenting with or experiencing borderline personality disorder symptoms may benefit from a brief crisis intervention embedded within a stepped care model.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)87-108
Number of pages22
JournalJournal of Personality Disorders
Volume38
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished or Issued - Feb 2024

Keywords

  • borderline personality disorder
  • brief intervention
  • crisis
  • service utilization
  • stepped care

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

Cite this