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Peaks and troughs—an exploration of patient perspectives of dangerous and severe personality disorder assessment (Peaks Unit, Rampton Hospital)
Author(s) -
Maltman Lisa,
Stacey Jacquie,
Hamilton Laura
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
personality and mental health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.193
H-Index - 22
eISSN - 1932-863X
pISSN - 1932-8621
DOI - 10.1002/pmh.17
Subject(s) - thematic analysis , psychology , optimism , borderline personality disorder , unit (ring theory) , theme (computing) , psychotherapist , qualitative research , applied psychology , sociology , social science , mathematics education , computer science , operating system
Rationale Although accessing user‐perspectives is a key National Health Service initiative, the literature reporting user's views of forensic services, particularly dangerous and severe personality disorder (DSPD) services, is in its infancy. Aim and Design This qualitative study applied thematic analysis to 12 semi‐structured interviews aimed to enhance professional understanding of how Peaks Unit treatment‐ward participants retrospectively perceive their experience of being admitted and assessed at the unit. Findings Reported themes include ‘fear’ associated with participants' personal safety concerns and apprehensions regarding inhumane treatment and prolonged detention. The local metaphor of the DSPD Unit as the ‘dark side’ exacerbated such fears. ‘Shock’ also emerged as a primary theme resulting from unexpected admissions, security measures and some staff responses. ‘Offering hope’ provided a further theme with many participants reporting a climate of therapeutic optimism within staff teams and ‘refreshing’ opportunities for change. Reservations were also expressed about the service potentially offering ‘false hope’. Several suggestions are proposed for future assessment strategy including escalating user‐involvement activity, managing expectations, promoting therapeutic optimism and helping patients to attain a realistic sense of hope in order to maximise therapeutic engagement. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.