“Very much evolving”: a qualitative study of the views of psychiatrists about Peer Support Workers

Collins, Rachael, Firth, Lucy and Shakespeare, Thomas (2016) “Very much evolving”: a qualitative study of the views of psychiatrists about Peer Support Workers. Journal of Mental Health, 25 (3). pp. 278-283. ISSN 0963-8237

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Abstract

Background: Mental health services continue to develop service user involvement, including a growth in employment of Peer support workers (PSWs). Despite the importance of the views and attitudes expressed by psychiatrists, this topic has not previously been studied. Aims: To gain insight into the views and attitudes psychiatrists have about peer support workers. Methods: A qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews with 11 psychiatrists in the East of England. Results: Psychiatrists were broadly positive and supportive of PSWs. Interviewees could anticipate a range of possible benefits of employing PSWs, but also had concerns regarding their implementation and management. There was a lack of clarity and consistency between interviewees about what the exact role of a PSW might involve. Conclusion: This study provides insights into how PSWs are perceived by psychiatrists. While broadly positive attitudes exist, the research highlights certain challenges, particularly role ambiguity.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	consumer participation,peer support workers,attitudes,psychiatrists,sdg 3 - good health and well-being ,/dk/atira/pure/sustainabledevelopmentgoals/good_health_and_well_being
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
Depositing User:	Pure Connector
Date Deposited:	13 Apr 2016 08:43
Last Modified:	22 Oct 2022 01:01
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/58191
DOI:	10.3109/09638237.2016.1167858

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