Peer support for traumatic injury survivors: a scoping review

Abstract

Purpose: Peers are uniquely able to draw on their lived experiences to support trauma survivors' recovery. By understanding the functions and outcomes of peer support and the factors that impact implementation, evidence can be mobilized to enhance its application and uptake into standard practice. As such, we aimed to review the literature on peer support for trauma survivors to: Examine the role of peer support in recovery; Describe the nature and extent of peer support; Examine the influence of peer support on health and well-being; and Identify the barriers and facilitators to developing and implementing peer support.Methods: Scoping review methodology as outlined by Arksey and O'Malley.Results: Ninety-three articles were reviewed. Peer support was highlighted as an important component of care for trauma survivors and provided hope and guidance for the future postinjury. Most peer support programs were offered in the community and provided one-on-one support from peer mentors using various modalities. Interventions were successful when they involved knowledgeable peer mentors and maintained participant engagement. Prior negative experiences and stigma/privacy concerns deterred trauma survivors from participating.Conclusions: Peer support fulfills several functions throughout trauma survivors' recovery that may not otherwise be met within existing health care systems.

Peer Support for Individuals With Major Limb Loss: A Scoping Review

“…20,22,24,31,39-41 Peers were able to share advice amongst each other, which inspired them to engage more in the community, in daily activities, and build a life outside their family and non-amputee friends. 16,42,47 In this review, findings suggest participants expressed concerns regarding inaccessibility (e.g., geographical distance) and the inconvenience of attending peer support meetings. 26, 48 Flexible communication options, like telephone or online platforms, have been proposed as solutions and proven effective in increasing attendance frequency and participation.…”

“… 46 Significant emphasis on knowledge exchange and education facilitated in peer support groups was also positively highlighted throughout the review. 21 , 24 – 28 , 34 , 35 , 37 , 40 According to Wasilewski et al 16 this is attributed to participants finding educational information more informative and engaging when delivered by a peer, as they were able to resonate better due to shared experiences. In addition, peer support led to the building of friendships and a community for individuals with major limb loss.…”

“…A scoping review on peer support for trauma survivors, which included individuals with traumatic amputations, found that peer support provided trauma survivors with socioemotional support as well as assistance in daily management and life navigation post-injury. 16 However, studies of peer support following trauma may not be transferable to all individuals with limb loss, most of whom have amputations due to diabetes. 17 To address this gap, the purpose of this scoping review was to examine the extent, nature, and scope of existing literature on peer support for people living with major limb loss to inform future research and practice.…”

Community support for injured patients: A scoping review and narrative synthesis

“…interpersonal violence) as well as unintentional (road traffic crashes) injuries can be substantial [ 50 ]. Further, and highly applicable to injured patients, peer-led and community-based support groups have implications for rehabilitation, which can reduce limitations in functionality [ 51 ] especially in LMICs when access to medical care can be difficult to obtain. CBPS groups have been shown to be useful for retention in care and both physical and mental health improvement in other conditions, and thus offer potential for people who have been injured.…”

Community Support for Injured Patients: A Scoping Review and Narrative Synthesis

“…This mirrors the positive effects of support groups for people living with diabetes (56), mental health problems (57), and heart disease (58), where support groups have been shown to help with sharing of practical knowledge and health education, social and emotional support, navigation of the medical system, and building trust-based relationships. Further, and highly applicable to injured patients, peer-led and community-based support groups have implications for rehabilitation, which can reduce limitations in functionality (59) especially in LMICs when access to medical care can be difficult to obtain.…”