Table 3 Guidelines for health professionals who support consumers with personality disorder

Attend training to enhance understanding of personality disorder.

Ask consumers if anything can be done to increase their feelings of safety when they present to the emergency department.

Consider creating safe places for consumers within and outside the emergency department.

When consumers are discharged from the hospital, provide carers with information where appropriate, including facts regarding increased suicide risk following discharge and 24/7 crisis services. With consumer consent, inform carers of the consumer’s safety plan and outpatient treatment plans.

Provide information to consumers when giving a diagnosis of personality disorder, and provide information to carers if appropriate.

Increase accessibility of services for consumers with personality disorder.

Be aware of local services and treatments for consumers with personality disorder, and provide appropriate referrals and treatment options to consumers.

Inform consumers how long you can work with a consumer.

With consumer consent, communicate with other health professionals who are supporting the consumer to ensure you have a holistic understanding of the consumer.

Consider offering or referring consumers to other treatment approaches, such as art therapy or peer support.

Where appropriate and with consumer consent, encourage carer involvement in assessment and intervention.

Offer carers information regarding carer support services, such as support groups.