Peer Support Workers in Health: A Qualitative Metasynthesis of Their Experiences

Abstract

ObjectivePeer support models, where an individual has a specific illness or lifestyle experience and supports others experiencing similar challenges, have frequently been used in different fields of healthcare to successfully engage hard-to-reach groups. Despite recognition of their value, the impact of these roles on the peer has not been systematically assessed. By synthesising the qualitative literature we sought to review such an impact, providing a foundation for designing future clinical peer models.MethodsSystematic review and qualitative metasynthesis of studies found in Medline, CINAHL or Scopus documenting peer worker experiences.Results1,528 papers were found, with 34 meeting the criteria of this study. Findings were synthesised to reveal core constructs of reframing identity through reciprocal relations and the therapeutic use of self, enhancing responsibility.ConclusionsThe ability of the Peer Support Worker to actively engage with other marginalised or excluded individuals based on their unique insight into their own experience supports a therapeutic model of care based on appropriately sharing their story. Our findings have key implications for maximising the effectiveness of Peer Support Workers and in contributing their perspective to the development of a therapeutic model of care.

Influence of Peer-Based Needle Exchange Programs on Mental Health Status in People Who Inject Drugs: A Nationwide New Zealand Study

“…A core feature defining the effectiveness of this model is the ability of the peer to engage with clients on the same level through increased empathy and deeper understanding of their challenges (39). Previous evidence suggests that such community-oriented, peer-delivered interactions have the potential to engage hard to reach or marginalized groups and positively impact on multiple layers of risk and behavioral change and particularly on people who regularly use drugs (40–42).…”

Development Model of Household Contacts as a Peer Support to Decrease the Prevalence of Pulmonary Tuberculosis

“…Therefore, it is necessary to prepare the candidate of peer support either through training or short education and facilitate the information about tuberculosis disease. Companion personnel are expected to have standardized training, supervision, and the purpose or expectation of their role as peer support (Maclellan, J, et al 2015) Considering the condition of pulmonary tuberculosis patients, the potential, constraints and problems possessed of household contact, the design of house contact person as peer support for patients outlines some requirements, performance or performance targets, roles, and activities that should be done as well as facilities that can support the work as peer support. The requirements of household contact as peer support need to be established under several conditions.…”

Using peer advocates to improve access to services among hard-to-reach populations with hepatitis C: a qualitative study of client and provider relationships

“…Programme evaluations frequently identify the relationship between the client and the peer as the key component of the intervention’s success [ 5 , 9 , 13 – 15 ]. This relationship is proposed as originating from a shared understanding of the challenges of the client’s situation from the experience of the peer and fosters trust, understanding and empathy within the relationship.…”