Peer Support among Inpatients in an Adult Mental Health Setting

Abstract

Existing literature indicates peer support is beneficial for people with mental illnesses and plays an important role in recovery. While many studies in the mental health field have focused on formalized peer support within the community, none have explored the experience of peer support among hospitalized patients. The purpose of the current study was to explore the perceptions and experiences of naturally occurring peer support among adult mental health inpatients. In-depth interviews were conducted with ten inpatients across four mental health units, two acute and two long-term. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a qualitative descriptive design. The data show that peer support among inpatients is extensive and beneficial, and occurs independently of staff involvement. The findings illustrate that peer support is a thoughtful process that involves observing, reflecting, taking action, and evaluating outcomes. Supportive actions include helping with activities of daily living, sharing material goods, providing information and advice, sharing a social life, and offering emotional support. This leads to various positive outcomes for providers and recipients of peer support, such as improved mental health outcomes and quality of life. Attempts to provide supportive interactions occur within a particular context, which can hinder or facilitate peer support. The new insights from this study could provide health professionals with an increased recognition of peer support and an appreciation for the unique role patients play in their own and in their peers' recovery. These findings have important implications for establishing collaborative working partnerships with mental health inpatients.

Peer support for people with mental illness

“…This is the definition most commonly used in mental health literature 9 . The effectiveness of peer support has been researched through formal interventions within health services embedded within the community 10 . Studies show the existence of multiple positive outcomes for people with mental illness 6,10 and so, it plays an important role in the recovery of all stakeholders involved in this process 10,11 .…”

Patients’ views: peer support worker on inpatient wards

“…None have produced similar thematic results although Bouchard et al (2010) cited improved emotional state for informal PS and emotional support is a theme recognised in this study. While Gidugu et al (2015) also think emotional support important in community settings through a normalizing relationship with someone with similar experiences as do Repper and Watson (2012).…”

“…When it comes to patients' evaluation of PS in inpatient settings the evidence is more limited (Bouchard et al 2010;Faulkner and Basset, 2010;Ockwell et al, 2012). Bouchard et al (2010) studied informal PS on an inpatient ward and all outcomes were judges as beneficial.…”

“…Bouchard et al (2010) studied informal PS on an inpatient ward and all outcomes were judges as beneficial. Such benefits were listed as improved emotional state, behaviour and outlook on their current situation and examples and quotes given.…”

Participation publique et participation citoyenne des personnes utilisatrices de services en lien avec le Plan d’action en santé mentale 2005-2010 : leur rôle de porte-parole

“…D'autres articles ont été rédigés pour rendre compte de la perspective d'usagers (Poirel, Corin et Rodriguez del Barrio, 2012a ;Perreault, Katerelos, Tardif et Pawliuk, 2006), de leurs préférences (Piat, Ricard et Lesage, 2006 ;Piat, Lesage, Dorvil, Boyer, Couture et Bloom, 2008), ou encore à propos des organismes communautaires et alternatifs du réseau québécois (Rodriguez del Barrio, 2011 ;Grenier et Fleury, 2009). La question des pairs aidants ou de la participation d'usagers dans l'offre de services elle-même est également discutée (Bouchard, Montreuil et Gros, 2010 ;Brosseau et Verma, 2011). Le PASM préconisait d'ailleurs une plus grande présence des pairs aidants.…”