Peer Support Workers in Health: A Qualitative Metasynthesis of Their Experiences

• Published in: PloS one Vol. 10; no. 10; p. e0141122
• Main Authors: MacLellan, Jennifer, Surey, Julian, Abubakar, Ibrahim, Stagg, Helen R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Public Library of Science 30.10.2015; Public Library of Science (PLoS)
• Subjects: Analysis; Breastfeeding & lactation; Care and treatment; Delivery of Health Care - methods; Employment; Health aspects; Health care; Health services; Humans; Infections; Literature reviews; Medical diagnosis; Mental health; Occupational health; Patient compliance; Peer Group; Peer tutoring; Population; Psychotherapy; Qualitative Research; Researchers; Self-Help Groups - standards; Social aspects; Studies; Workers; United Kingdom > UK; Nashville Tennessee
• ISSN: 1932-6203; 1932-6203
• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141122

Peer support models, where an individual has a specific illness or lifestyle experience and supports others experiencing similar challenges, have frequently been used in different fields of healthcare to successfully engage hard-to-reach groups. Despite recognition of their value, the impact of these roles on the peer has not been systematically assessed. By synthesising the qualitative literature we sought to review such an impact, providing a foundation for designing future clinical peer models. Systematic review and qualitative metasynthesis of studies found in Medline, CINAHL or Scopus documenting peer worker experiences. 1,528 papers were found, with 34 meeting the criteria of this study. Findings were synthesised to reveal core constructs of reframing identity through reciprocal relations and the therapeutic use of self, enhancing responsibility. The ability of the Peer Support Worker to actively engage with other marginalised or excluded individuals based on their unique insight into their own experience supports a therapeutic model of care based on appropriately sharing their story. Our findings have key implications for maximising the effectiveness of Peer Support Workers and in contributing their perspective to the development of a therapeutic model of care.