Peers experience of delivering a problem‐solving programme to enhance antipsychotic medication adherence for individuals with schizophrenia

Abstract

Many consumers with schizophrenia are reluctant to take their prescribed antipsychotic medications; however, non-adherence can lead to relapse. The aim of this study was to evaluate peers' perspectives of their participation in a problem-solving peer support programme to enhance adherence in consumers who are reluctant to take antipsychotic medication. Peers contacted consumers by a weekly telephone call for 8 weeks, and used a problem-solving approach to inform their discussion about medication adherence. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were used to evaluate peers' perspectives of their involvement in the programme. Three main themes were abstracted from the data: motivation to participate in the study, experience of peer support programme, and rewards and challenges of the peer experience. Helping others was an important motivator for peers in agreeing to participate in the study. Telephone delivery was a convenient way to deliver the peer support programme. However, at times, it was difficult to contact consumers by telephone and this caused some frustration. Despite these difficulties, peers recognized that being involved in the programme increased their confidence and made them feel worthwhile. The findings have implications for the use of peer support as an adjunct intervention to promote medication adherence in consumers with schizophrenia.

Generativity among persons providing or receiving peer or mutual support: A scoping review.

“…Four studies explicitly evaluated or described the concept of generativity (Bromley et al, 2013; Moran et al, 2012a, 2012b; Russo-Netzer & Moran, 2018). Four additional articles described generativity using similar language, including giving back (Bellamy et al, 2012; Bromley et al, 2013; Johnson et al, 2014; Salzer et al, 2013); altruism (Boardman et al, 2015; Einat, 2017); and empowerment/community activism (Vayshenker et al, 2016). One study described generativity as part of a larger spiritual process (Johnson et al, 2014).…”

“…Specifically, engaging in generative actions led to better personal and emotional satisfaction among providers of peer support (Boardman et al, 2015; Einat, 2017) and members of mutual support groups (Bromley et al, 2013; Finn et al, 2009). Providers of peer support (Boardman et al, 2015) and members of mutual support groups (Bromley et al, 2013) also experienced improvements to their mental health by engaging in generativity. Finally, engaging in generativity was linked to an improved sense of self, meaning in life, and identity (Moran et al, 2012b); a greater sense of altruism and motivation to engage in generative acts in the future (Boardman et al, 2015); and the development of new skills (e.g., public speaking; Boardman et al, 2015; Moran et al, 2012b).…”

“…One theme describing the psychosocial impact of engaging in generativity was produced. Specifically, engaging in generative actions led to better personal and emotional satisfaction among providers of peer support (Boardman et al, 2015; Einat, 2017) and members of mutual support groups (Bromley et al, 2013; Finn et al, 2009). Providers of peer support (Boardman et al, 2015) and members of mutual support groups (Bromley et al, 2013) also experienced improvements to their mental health by engaging in generativity.…”

“…We identified 18 relevant studies. Eight studies included providers of peer support (Austin et al, 2014; Boardman et al, 2015; Einat, 2017; Johnson et al, 2014; Moran et al, 2012a, 2012b; Russo-Netzer & Moran, 2018; Salzer et al, 2013); five included recipients of peer support (Coatsworth-Puspoky et al, 2006; Meehan et al, 2002; Russinova et al, 2014; Salzer et al, 2016; Vayshenker et al, 2016); and five included members of mutual support groups (Bellamy et al, 2012; Bromley et al, 2013; Finn et al, 2009; Galanter, 1988; Whitley et al, 2008). Only four studies explicitly investigated or described the concept of generativity (Bromley et al, 2013; Moran et al, 2012a, 2012b; Russo-Netzer & Moran, 2018).…”

“…If so, our review may not have captured the full range of generative actions described in the literature. Given this nuance and the potential importance of generativity and the potential benefits that engaging in generative action have on people’s lives (Boardman et al, 2015; Bromley et al, 2013; Einat, 2017; Finn et al, 2009; Moran et al, 2012b), it may be important for researchers to adopt a unified language around generativity for the field to move forward. Additional research examining the specific concept of generativity within the context of peer and mutual support should also be conducted.…”