A qualitative exploration of the relationship between those with a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder and their care coordinators : a service user perspective.

Introduction: Little is known about the relationships between those diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and their care coordinators in UK community mental health settings, with the role of care coordinator poorly defined with limited guidance. The purpose of this research was to explore these relationships and interactions from the perspectives of those diagnosed with BPD. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight participants diagnosed with BPD in current relationships with care coordinators. The transcribed interviews were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Results: Four superordinate themes were identified: Trust, Qualities of the care coordinator, The complexity of the relationship and Developing a safe base. The first three themes are viewed as contributing to the final theme. Discussion: Themes were discussed in the context of attachment theory with consideration that the development of secure attachments in care coordinator relationships may be therapeutically beneficial and important in recovery. The research was critiqued and future directions considered. Implications for Practice: Whilst the generic role of care coordinator is not specifically defined as therapeutic there is potential for this relationship to be therapeutically beneficial or conversely counter-therapeutic for those diagnosed with BPD