Implementing Good Psychiatric Management in mental health services

ObjectiveGood Psychiatric Management (GPM) is a structured, evidence-based approach for treating borderline personality disorder (BPD). In this study, we aimed to explore the experiences of using GPM within a multidisciplinary mental health team and to identify factors that promote or impede its implementation and practice.MethodsThe study design was informed by interpretive description methodology. Semi-structured, in-person interviews were conducted with staff based at an assertive community outreach service (ACOS) trained in GPM. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and coded by reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsFrom eleven participants of social work, community support work, nursing, psychology, occupational therapy and managerial backgrounds, we identified three main themes: (1) GPM as complementary to practitioners' values, (2) GPM as empowerment to deliver treatment confidently and consistently and (3) leadership as instrumental for the implementation of a new model.ConclusionsImplementing GPM as a shared model of care has value for health professionals by improving confidence and skills in working with people with BPD and increasing team cohesion. Effective leadership facilitates the introduction of an empirically supported evidence-based model of care, even when there are system constraints. Further research is needed to evaluate the use of GPM in general healthcare settings.