Despite the study's limitations, findings suggest that use of peer mentors is a promising intervention for reducing recurrent psychiatric hospitalizations for patients at risk of readmission.

The experience of multiple chronic illnesses has a distinct pattern of development and consequence, involving challenges to personal identity and the benefits of social support from and to others. Our results suggest that programmes addressing the needs of persons with multiple chronic conditions might tailor interventions in ways that maximally address their unique challenges.

Peer services for those who are hospitalized recurrently hold promise as an effective component of behavioral health care for persons with serious mental illnesses.

Of the outcomes, only decreased alcohol use was attributable to the experimental intervention. Although this may be a chance finding, peer- and community-oriented group support and learning may facilitate decreased alcohol use over time.