A multi-national peer support intervention: the UPSIDES pilot phase
Abstract
Objective: Using Peer Support in Developing Empowering Mental Health Services (UPSIDES) is evaluating implementation of a peer support worker (PSW) intervention at six recruiting sites (Germany, India, Israel, Tanzania, and Uganda) (ISRCTN26008944). The aim of this study is to evaluate the pre-trial pilot phase. Method: The initial training to prepare individuals for the PSW role and the implementation of the peer support (PS) intervention was evaluated using a multi-method design comprising six focus groups (FG; n = 22) and questionnaires capturing the perspectives of service users, PSWs, peer trainers, and mental health staff members (n = 21). Results: Findings were organised across eleven key implementation themes: organisational culture, PSW training, PSW role definition, staff willingness and ability to work with PSWs, resource availability, financial arrangements, support for PSW well-being, PSW access to a peer network, acceptance, preparation, and other challenges. Discussion: The following recommendations are made, based on this pilot phase: the PS training should train on practical skills using role-playing exercises; PSWs should work in teams, including role reflection with colleagues (intervision) or with a highly experienced coach (supervision); necessary resources and tools for networking should be provided; and continuous awareness-raising about PS is needed. © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
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Date
2022
Type
Article
Subject
Peer support, Exercise, Mental health, Peer group, Surveys and questionnaires, Role playing
Citation
Nixdorf, R., Nugent, L., Aslam, R., Barber, S., Charles, A., Gai Meir, L., Grayzman, A., Hiltensperger, R., Kalha, J., Korde, P., et al. (2022). A multi-national peer support intervention: the UPSIDES pilot phase. Advances in Mental Health, 20(4), pp. 2-14.