Peer recovery coaches in general medical settings: Changes in utilization, treatment engagement, and opioid use

An examination of certified behavioral health peer support specialist experiences with providing care in Montana

“…Peer Support Specialists promote individuals' recovery process (Masih et al 2021;Wayne et al 2019), serve the public good (Magidson et al 2021;Reif et al 2014;Staton et al 2021), and diversify recovery options outside the clinical setting (Kleinman et al 2020). This study is the first of its kind to capture the voices of Peer Support Specialists to: (1) document the experiences of and the motivations to become a Certified Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialist; (2) understand the factors that affect recruitment and retention; (3) offer recommendations for strengthening this resource in Montana from the perspective of Certified Behavioral Health Peer Support Specialists.…”

“…Previous research on peer support specialists largely focuses on the positive benefits clients gain from peer-to-peer relationships (Masih et al 2021;Wayne et al 2019). Studies show that patients working with peer recovery coaches experience reduced relapse rates, increased treatment retention, improved relationships with treatment providers and social supports, and increased satisfaction with the overall treatment experience (Magidson et al 2021;Reif et al 2014;Staton et al 2021). This study fills a gap in the literature by systematically documenting the experiences of the peers, important because peer support services increase access to treatment for low-income and minority populations by promoting treatment outside the clinical setting (Kleinman et al 2020).…”

Rationale, design, and methodology of a randomized pilot trial of an integrated intervention combining computerized behavioral therapy and recovery coaching for people with opioid use disorder: The OVERCOME study

“…However, coach-led clinical activities provided to participants or the formal training that the recovery coaches received were rarely described in these studies. Finally, a few studies explored the effect of recovery coaching on opioid use using an objective measure (i.e., toxicology screen) [ [27] , [28] , [29] ].…”

“How can I hug someone now [over the phone]?”: Impacts of COVID-19 on peer recovery specialists and clients in substance use treatment

“…Since the mid-2000s, PRSs' work has rapidly expanded in an effort to increase access to SUD treatment, particularly for low-income, ethnoracial minority individuals ( Bassuk et al, 2016 ). PRSs are particularly well-suited to reach these individuals as PRS-delivered services may be less stigmatizing ( Jack et al, 2018 ) and contribute to lower utilization of costly, preventable health care services ( Magidson et al, 2020 ). Research has shown that individuals who work with PRSs experience significant clinical benefit, including improved relationships with treatment providers, reduced substance use, and increased treatment retention in, and satisfaction with, substance use care ( Eddie et al, 2019 ).…”