Implementing a nationwide training initiative on borderline personality disorder for health practitioners

Purpose The Australian National Training Strategy (NTS) was developed to provide nationwide, cross-disciplinary, evidence-based training and support to health practitioners working with people living with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and their support networks, including family, friends and carers. The training uniquely incorporated the lived experiences of both consumers and carers. The aim of this study was to examine the outcomes for practitioners who participated in Stage One of the NTS, which included a webinar training series and practitioner networking meetings. Design/methodology/approach The impact of a national webinar series and practitioner networking meetings was evaluated using anonymous online surveys. After each of six webinars, participants completed surveys assessing perceived changes in knowledge, confidence and likelihood of adopting of evidence-based practices. Demographic data were also collected. A separate survey assessed the impact of the networking meetings. Descriptive statistics were calculated in Excel, and logistic regression analyses were conducted in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences to examine differences across demographic groups. Findings A total of 10,395 practitioners attended the webinar series, of which 4,837 completed the survey (response rate of 46.5%). Eighty percent reported increased confidence, two-thirds (64%) reported increased knowledge and skills and over half (55%) reported an increased likelihood that they would adopt evidence-based practices. Logistic regression analysis showed no significant differences across most demographic variables, except for geographic region. Participants from outer regional, remote and very remote areas reported significantly greater improvements in knowledge, confidence and likelihood of adopting evidence-based practice compared to those in major cities. A total of 723 practitioners attended at least one networking meeting, 140 of whom completed the network survey (response rate of 19.4%). Networking participants reported substantial improvements in key practice areas, particularly their confidence providing care for people with BPD (80%) and understanding the experiences of families and carers (78%). Gains were also noted in interdisciplinary collaboration and referral practices, though to a lesser extent. Originality/value A national training program that incorporated the lived experiences of consumers and carers led to enhanced practitioner’ confidence and skills, while demonstrating feasibility at a national level for engaging with practitioners across diverse disciplines, including those located in rural and remote areas, using an effective online platform.