Actionable Items to Address Challenges Incorporating Peer Support Specialists Within an Integrated Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder System: Co-Designed Qualitative Study (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND Peer Recovery Support Specialists in the field of mental health and substance misuse reduces stigma, hospitalizations, and health care costs. However, PRSS’s continue to face workforce challenges. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of using experienced-based co-design (EBCD) with Peer Recovery Support Specialists, and investigate Peer Recovery Support Specialists’ experiences regarding training, recruiting, hiring, management, work roles, and retention in the mental health and substance misuse workplace. METHODS This project utilized an EBCD, enrolling 15 Peer Recovery Support Specialists from three agencies who participated in focus groups. Peer Recovery Support Specialists partnered with scientists, participated in research training, and led focus groups and discussions. RESULTS Participants reported that having lived experience is the most powerful component to conducting peer work. However, they expressed challenges with agency restrictions, achieving work-life balance, stigma, and low compensation. Participants offered solutions to peer workforce related challenges. CONCLUSIONS Through the use of EBCD, the study suggests using EBCD with peer support specialists is feasible and produced important additions to the literature on workforce challenges. This report can be used to guide the advancement of the peer workforce.