Early stages of development of a peer specialist fidelity measure.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE Research on peer specialists (individuals with serious mental illness supporting others with serious mental illness in clinical and other settings), has not yet included the measurement of fidelity. Without measuring fidelity, it’s unclear if the absence of impact in some studies is attributable to ineffective peer specialist services or because the services were not true to the intended role. This paper describes the initial development of a peer specialist fidelity measure for two content areas: services provided by peer specialists and factors that either support or hamper the performance of those services. METHODS A literature search identified 40 domains; an expert panel narrowed the number of domains and helped generate and then review survey items to operationalize those domains. Twelve peer specialists, individuals with whom they work, and their supervisors participated in a pilot test and cognitive interviews regarding item content. RESULTS Peer specialists tended to rate themselves as having engaged in various peer service activities more than supervisors and individuals with whom they work. A subset of items tapping peer specialist services “core” to the role regardless of setting had higher ratings. Participants stated the measure was clear, appropriate, and could be useful in performance improvement. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Although preliminary, findings were consistent with organizational research on performance ratings of supervisors and employees made in the workplace. Several changes in survey content and administration were identified. With continued work, the measure could crystalize the role of peer specialists and aid in research and clinical administration.

Establishing a Research Agenda for Understanding the Role and Impact of Mental Health Peer Specialists

“…To address this variation, a recent effort was made to systematically organize the wide range of studies on the peer specialist role. Through a literature review and expert panel process, Chinman et al (4) developed a list of 16 roles that were used to inform the development of a fidelity measure for the peer specialist position. Four roles addressed peer specialist services (promoting hope, promoting empowerment, reducing social isolation, and increasing people’s participation in their own illness management).…”

“…Second, the use of a measure of peer specialist fidelity is needed. The one recently developed is in the early stages of development and needs further testing (4). Such a tool would help clinical administrators and supervisors support their peer specialists and improve research.…”

Peer navigation for individuals with serious mental illness leaving jail: a randomized trial study protocol

“…Their services will involve 1) providing instrumental support for treatment engagement and recovery by focusing on strengths, being a role model and sharing personal experience, show genuine concern, identify stressors and roadblock and link to self-help [18] 2) sharing information about treatment engagement, creating service linkages after involvement with the justice system, health and lifestyle changes required to promote recovery, and information about access to free treatment options [19,20]. 3) fostering emotional support for treatment engagement by showing empathy, promoting empowerment/ hope, and facilitating trust in treatment providers [18,21]. In addition to the weekly meetings with their clients, peer navigators will do a monthly progress evaluation and refine treatment plans accordingly.…”

Peer navigation for individuals with serious mental illness leaving jail: a pilot randomized trial study protocol

“…Their services will involve 1) providing instrumental support for treatment engagement and recovery by focusing on strengths, being a role model and sharing personal experience, show genuine concern, identify stressors and roadblock and link to self-help [24] 2) sharing information about treatment engagement, creating service linkages after involvement with the justice system, health and lifestyle changes required to promote recovery, and information about access to free treatment options [25,26]. 3) fostering emotional support for treatment engagement by showing empathy, promoting empowerment/ hope, and facilitating trust in treatment providers [24,27]. In addition to the weekly meetings with their clients, peer navigators will do a monthly progress evaluation and re ne treatment plans accordingly.…”