A qualitative evaluation of staff experience in the delivery of a co-produced consultation service for personality disorder

Abstract

Purpose Consultation services are recommended to support mental health staff working with service users diagnosable with personality disorder. However, there is scarce literature examining the impact of delivering and receiving consultation services. This study aims to investigate the impact of a pilot co-produced consultation service aiding clinical teams in the engagement of service users diagnosable with personality disorder. Design/methodology/approach This is a qualitative evaluation using a focus group and five semi-structured interviews to explore the experience of delivering and receiving the consultation service. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Clinical and demographic characteristics were obtained on service users referred. Findings The consultation staff focus group produced two overarching themes: “Disrupting the system” and “Mirroring the service and the service users consulted”. The staff consultee semi-structured interviews produced two overarching themes: “Experience of working with personality disorder” and “Experience of the consultation service”. Staff described working with personality disorder as challenging. The consultation process was experienced as a helpful and reassuring space to gain a new perspective on the work. However, the service was felt to be limited; in that, it lacked follow-on treatment. Originality/value This study adds to the body of literature on consultation for service users diagnosable with personality disorder and demonstrates its function in service provision. It sheds light on staff experience of delivering and receiving a consultation service, including the use of a co-production model.