Citation

Krawitz R, Batcheler M. Australas. Psychiatry 2006; 14(3): 320-322.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1080/j.1440-1665.2006.02297.x

PMID

16923047

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a pilot survey about clinician views on defensive practice when working with adults with borderline personality disorder.
METHOD: All mental health clinicians from adult community, crisis and inpatient services of a district public mental health service who attended a routine team meeting completed a survey questionnaire (n = 29).
RESULTS: Defensive practice was common, with 85% of clinicians having practised in the previous year in a manner that they believed was not in the best interests of their patients.
CONCLUSIONS: The findings support clinical impressions of a significant gap between clinician views on best practice and actual practice. The potential importance of the findings warrants a comprehensive multicentred study.

Language: en

Keywords

Adult; Attitude of Health Personnel; Borderline Personality Disorder; Defensive Medicine; Demography; Humans; Liability, Legal; Mental Health Services; New Zealand; Pilot Projects; Practice Patterns, Physicians'; Public Health Administration; Risk Factors; Suicide Prevention; Surveys and Questionnaires