Peer support programs in the fields of medicine and nursing: a systematic search and narrative review

Abstract

Peer-provided services exist in many different domains and professions. However, there is a knowledge gap in the existing programs’ descriptions and grouping that hinders creating new high-quality peer support programs. The objectives of this article are two-fold in describing existing peer support programs published in the literature in the medical field and evaluating their descriptive quality. Six electronic databases, grey literature, and reference lists were systematically searched. Studies reporting the existence of a support program delivered by peers and its description or methodology were included. Studies targeting patients and children were excluded. 11 articles were included in the qualitative synthesis and explored in detail. A total of 2155 peers participated in support programs in the fields of medicine, nursing, or both. Programs in other professional fields were not found. Programs were described in five different countries. Three methods of peer support delivery were found: in person, online, and mixed varying in their goals, duration, peer training supervision and participant demographics and number. Program descriptions were rated as good, fair, or poor using a verified rating scale. There are numerous well-described programs varying in their methodology and type of delivery. Thus, the emergence of new programs can be based on such models that have been well-described in the literature.

Supporting speech and language therapy students in uncertain times

“…Our findings mirror benefits highlighted in studies exploring participation in peer support groups demonstrating that when peer support groups work, participants appear to thrive in them (e.g. Pereira et al, 2021;Peterson et al, 2008). In a small number of cases, these communities were less successful and consequently did not confer the same benefits.…”

The benefits of a peer-support group for paediatric rheumatology nurses working in isolation

“…Although this group is not a formal peer support as defined during the pandemic [ 4 ], going forwards it is important to capture from members how the group will continue to fulfil its aims and remain fit for purpose for its members [ 5 ]. Feedback received so far highlights the benefit that nurses gain from attending these meetings and, although most would like a face-to-face get together as soon as possible, these meetings still have a very clear purpose and successful result.…”

The use of peer support groups for emergency physicians during the COVID‐19 pandemic

“…Furthermore, the structure of peer support interventions (when described) varies widely as well as the mode of delivery. 6 …”

“…Although there is a strong case for use of peer support interventions in the physician population, 5 there is less known about the implementation and effectiveness of peer support groups among physicians and particularly during a pandemic such as COVID‐19. Furthermore, the structure of peer support interventions (when described) varies widely as well as the mode of delivery 6 …”