Evolvement of Peer Support Workers’ Roles in Psychiatric Hospitals: A Longitudinal Qualitative Observation Study

• DOI: 10.1007/s10597-020-00741-1
• Publication Date: 2020-12-24T18:02:17Z
• Authors: Alexa Nossek; Anna Werning; Ina Otte; Jochen Vollmann; Georg Juckel; Jakov Gather
• Keywords: Adult psychiatry ; Implementation ; Adult [MeSH] ; Humans [MeSH] ; Longitudinal Studies [MeSH] ; Experienced involvement ; Mental healthcare ; Peer Group [MeSH] ; Qualitative Research [MeSH] ; Qualitative empirical research ; Germany [MeSH] ; Original Paper ; Hospitals, Psychiatric [MeSH]; Adult; Hospitals, Psychiatric; Original Paper; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Germany; Medizin; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Peer Group; Qualitative Research; 3. Good health

AbstractPeer support workers (PSWs) use their experiential knowledge and specific skills to support patients in their recovery process. The aim of our study was to examine the integration and role-finding process of PSWs in adult psychiatric hospitals in Germany. We conducted open nonparticipant observations of 25 multiprofessional team meetings and 5 transregional peer support worker meetings over a period of six months. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Regarding the integration of PSWs into multiprofessional teams, we identified three subcategories: “Features of success,” “challenges” and “positioning between team and patients.” Concerning the PSWs’ roles, we developed two subcategories: “Offers” and “self-perception.” The PSWs’ specific roles within a multiprofessional mental healthcare team evolve in a process over a longer period of time. This role-finding process should be supported by a framework role description which leaves sufficient freedom for individual development. Regular opportunities for mutual exchange among PSWs can help to address specific support needs at different points in time.