The role of the peer specialists: Unanswered questions.

Abstract

Questions are raised regarding the definition of "peerness"; the variety and contradictions in definitions of the role of the peer specialist; existing and potential avenues for career advancement; credentialing standards; the design, implementation, and evaluation of existing and effective peer support service models, including integration of peer workers in other service models; and best practices for supporting the well-being of peer workers and their nonpeer colleagues. More and higher quality research data are needed in order to inform and contribute to the use and support of peer specialists in promoting positive system transformation. (PsycINFO Database Record

How much 'lived experience' is enough? Understanding mental health lived experience work from a management perspective

“…These findings reflect previous attempts to define lived experience within the literature, which have variously focused on experiences of diagnosis, service use and life-changing effects of mental health challenges. 22,23 In contrast, other research indicates that relevance may be more related to membership within a target population, as identified in a study of the lived experience workforce with veterans 23 or relevant experiences for specific programs, such as smoking cessation. 34 It is of note that most participants in the present study associated lived experience as direct or personal experience as opposed to descriptions within some literature of lived experience as inclusive of the experience of family members or carers.…”

“…community versus in-patent settings). 18 Generally, organisations have struggled with how to define and measure lived experience, 22 questioning what lived experience counts, 23 with varying emphasis on diagnosis, service use and the life-changing impact of the diagnosis. 22 This lack of a shared understanding of what lived experience is required and how it can be used within lived experience roles 18 may provide an explanation for the lack of role clarity for lived experience workers.…”

“…18 Generally, organisations have struggled with how to define and measure lived experience, 22 questioning what lived experience counts, 23 with varying emphasis on diagnosis, service use and the life-changing impact of the diagnosis. 22 This lack of a shared understanding of what lived experience is required and how it can be used within lived experience roles 18 may provide an explanation for the lack of role clarity for lived experience workers. 24 The role of management is critical in the effective employment of lived experience workers, 25 with previous research highlighting the need for support from senior management, as well as the need for role clarity and the risk of 'othering' for the lived experience workforce.…”

Enhancing peer support experience for patients discharged from acute psychiatric care: protocol for a randomised controlled pilot trial

“…In addition to methodological improvements of research on peer support, there is a need to further develop the peer support workforce. Identified areas of development for peer support programmes include 8 : how to define ‘peerness’, role clarity and integration with existing systems, credentialing, and workforce development (see also Myrick and del Vecchio 5 ). Within our local context, in the province of Alberta, Canada, peer support for patients has been in existence for many years.…”

“…As discussed, the peer support workforce has been identified as an area in need of development, 5 including role clarity, integration with healthcare professionals and credentialing. 8 Specifically, a lack of a ‘career ladder’ or a clear movement within positions of peer support work has been identified, 8 with movement possible laterally (but not upward) within many programme structures. In this project, peer support workers will participate in an incentive-based system that formally recognises performance.…”