Purpose: To examine the factors that influence the effective execution of a collaborative care program (CCP) for patients with severe personality disorders.
Design and methods: A multiple case study using qualitative research methods.
Findings: Three factors were identified as influencing the execution process: (a) the context in which the CCP was executed, (b) the patient population, and (c) the individual application of the CCP by nurses.
Practice implications: The prominent position of mental health nurses in complex intervention programs such as CCPs poses new challenges for them in making these programs work. A CCP could be a useful intervention for patients with severe personality disorders because it offers the necessary structure in treatment.
Keywords: Borderline personality disorder; collaborative care; community mental health service; practice development; psychiatric nursing.
© 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.