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Peer support work for people experiencing mental distress attending the emergency department: Exploring the potential

journal contribution
posted on 2022-01-18, 01:55 authored by Catherine MinshallCatherine Minshall, H Roennfeldt, B Hamilton, A Martel, N Hill, A Stratford, S Buchanan-Hagen, L Byrne, D Castle, Nadine Cocks, L Davidson, Lisa BrophyLisa Brophy
Objective: This study explored the benefits and limitations of employing peer support workers, who utilise their own lived experience of mental distress and recovery, to support people experiencing mental distress who are attending the ED. Methods: This co-produced qualitative study utilised four phases: (i) assemble a collaborative multi-disciplinary research team and Expert Panel, of which at least half identified as having lived experience; (ii) a site visit to an ED; (iii) focus groups with consumers, support persons and ED staff; and (iv) a learning workshop for peer workers. Results: Focus groups were run for consumers (n = 7), support persons (n = 5) and ED staff (n = 7). Eleven consumer peer workers participated in the learning workshop. Four themes were identified and triangulated: the individual in distress, peer support work, a ‘Peers in EDs’ service and the ED context. Overall, findings suggest that peer support workers contribute important skills including listening, de-escalation, relationship-building and empathy. Conclusions: This study identified that peer support workers would bring important skills to an ED (e.g. empathetic support, de-escalation). However, significant workforce and organisational support would be required.

Funding

This study was funded by the Melbourne Social Equity Institute, The University of Melbourne.

History

Publication Date

2022-02-01

Journal

Emergency Medicine Australasia

Volume

22

Issue

34

Article Number

1742-6723.13848

Pagination

7p.

Publisher

Wiley

ISSN

1742-6731

Rights Statement

© 2021 Australasian College for Emergency Medicine

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