Peer support worker training: Results of the evaluation of the Experienced Involvement training programme in Switzerland and Germany

Abstract

The ‘Experienced Involvement’ (EX‐IN) training programme prepares and certifies individuals who have experienced mental health problems to work as peer support workers and to support others challenged by similar conditions. We aimed to assess the impact of the EX‐IN training on hope, self‐efficacy, introspection, stigma resistance, personal recovery, health‐related quality of life and employment in participants. Data was collected using standardized assessment instruments before the training started (t1) and upon course completion (t2). Data from 103 participants who participated in both measurement times were included into data analysis. Participants significantly improved their recovery, stigma resistance and introspection during the EX‐IN training. In addition, a significant higher proportion of participants were employed at t2. Participants whose last inpatient stay was 0–1 year before the start of the EX‐IN training showed significantly lower levels of stigma resistance, and self‐efficacy at t1 than participants with two or more years since the last inpatient stay. There were no significant changes in mean values over time, or in the mean values at t2 between the two groups. EX‐IN training has a positive influence on the handling of stigma, on one's recovery path and introspection. This indicates that EX‐IN training has a therapeutic effect on the participants. EX‐IN training seems to meet the challenges of peer support work. Therefore, the training can be recommended as preparation for working as a peer support worker as well as an intervention to improve one´s recovery process.

Training of Lived Experience Workforces: A Rapid Review of Content and Outcomes

“…Of the seven papers that addressed employment outcomes, six indicated an increase in employment rates (in any capacity) related to the mental health system at both follow-up (Franke et al, 2010;Gammonley & Luken, 2001;Hegedüs et al, 2016) and post-training periods; Hegedüs et al, 2021;Rapp et al, 2008;Wolf, 2014). One found that more completers were employed in a related field or in accredited settings compared to non-completers (Horwitz et al, 2020).…”

“…Eight studies reported improved perception of self (e.g., self-esteem and confidence; Blixen et al, 2015;Gerry et al, 2011;King et al, 2009;Meehan et al, 2002;Simpson et al, 2014;Wolf, 2014), self-efficacy (Hegedüs et al, 2021), and improved self-image (Weeks et al, 2006). Six studies reported short to long-term improvements in healthrelated measures (i.e., improved psychosocial wellbeing and quality of life) following training (Atif et al, 2019;Gammonley & Luken, 2001;Gerry et al, 2011;Joo et al, 2018;Stockmann et al, 2019;Weeks et al, 2006).…”

“…In eight studies, trainees gained insight into their own recovery (Blixen et al, 2015;Hegedüs et al, 2016Hegedüs et al, , 2021King et al, 2009;Simpson et al, 2014;Toikko, 2016;Tse et al, 2014;Wolf, 2014) and in five studies, experienced personal gains from helping others (King et al, 2009;Tse et al, 2014;Weeks et al, 2006;Willging et al, 2016;Wolf, 2014). In four studies, some psychological wellbeing measures such as mental health, quality of life, anxiety or stress, locus of control and self-esteem remained stable or improved but this pre-to-post change was not significant (Hegedüs et al, 2021;Joo et al, 2018;Meehan et al, 2002;Tse et al, 2014).…”

Practising critical resilience as an advanced peer support worker in London: A qualitative evaluation of a peer-led hepatitis C intervention amongst people experiencing homelessness who inject drugs

“…Peers are typically recruited from within the client pool of a service and are usually given some basic training for the role of offering support to other individuals, to aid their journey to recovery or treatment completion (Mowbray 1998, Hegedus et al 2020. This support could take the form of helping people attend their appointments, take their medication or change their lifestyle to optimise their recovery.…”

“…This support could take the form of helping people attend their appointments, take their medication or change their lifestyle to optimise their recovery. The flexibility of peer work can present an opportunity to re-enter the labour market for a group that can struggle with the responsibility of fixed employment (Kennedy et al 2019, Hegedus et al 2020, Miler et al 2020. However this volunteer role is characterised by instability and insecurity (Greer et al 2020, Otte et al 2020.…”