A multi-national peer support intervention: the UPSIDES pilot phase. (2nd January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nixdorf, Rebecca; Nugent, Lena; Aslam, Rabeea'h; Barber, Sarah; Charles, Ashleigh; Gai Meir, Lion; Grayzman, Alina; Hiltensperger, Ramona; Kalha, Jasmine; Korde, Palak; Mtei, Rachel; Niwemuhwezi, Jackie; Ramesh, Mary; Ryan, Grace; Slade, Mike; Wenzel, Lisa; Mahlke, Candelaria
• Is Part Of: Advances in mental health. Volume 20:Number 1(2022)
• Page Start: 2
• Page End: 14
• Publication Date: 2022-01-02
• Subjects: Peer support -- global mental health -- pilot phase -- implementation -- empowerment -- recovery; Mental health -- Periodicals; Mental illness -- Periodicals; Mental Health -- Australia -- Periodicals; Mental Health Services -- Australia -- Periodicals; Mental health; Mental illness; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1080/18387357.2021.2020140
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1838-7357

Abstract

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.