Typology of modifications to peer support work for adults with mental health problems: systematic review

Charles, Ashleigh; Thompson, Dean; Nixdorf, Rebecca; Ryan, Grace; Shamba, Donat; Kalha, Jasmine; Moran, Galia; Hiltensperger, Ramona; Mahlke, Candelaria; Puschner, Bernd; Repper, Julie; Slade, Mike; Mpango, Richard

Abstract

© The Authors 2020. Background Peer support work roles are being implemented internationally, and increasingly in lower-resource settings. However, there is no framework to inform what types of modifications are needed to address local contextual and cultural aspects. Aims To conduct a systematic review identifying a typology of modifications to peer support work for adults with mental health problems. Method We systematically reviewed the peer support literature following PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews (registered on PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) on 24 July 2018: CRD42018094832). All study designs were eligible and studies were selected according to the stated eligibility criteria and analysed with standardised critical appraisal tools. A narrative synthesis was conducted to identify types of, and rationales for modifications. Results A total of 15 300 unique studies were identified, from which 39 studies were included with only one from a low-resource setting. Six types of modifications were identified: role expectations; initial training; type of contact; role extension; workplace support for peer support workers; and recruitment. Five rationales for modifications were identified: to provide best possible peer support; to best meet service user needs; to meet organisational needs, to maximise role clarity; and to address socioeconomic issues. Conclusions Peer support work is modified in both pre-planned and unplanned ways when implemented. Considering each identified modification as a candidate change will lead to a more systematic consideration of whether and how to modify peer support in different settings. Future evaluative research of modifiable versus non-modifiable components of peer support work is needed to understand the modifications needed for implementation among different mental health systems and cultural settings. Declaration of interest None.

Citation

Charles, A., Thompson, D., Nixdorf, R., Ryan, G., Shamba, D., Kalha, J., …Mpango, R. (2020). Typology of modifications to peer support work for adults with mental health problems: systematic review. British Journal of Psychiatry, 216(6), 301-307. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.2019.264

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 22, 2019
• Online Publication Date: Jan 29, 2020
• Publication Date: Jun 1, 2020
• Deposit Date: Nov 27, 2019
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 30, 2020
• Journal: British Journal of Psychiatry
• Print ISSN: 0007-1250
• Electronic ISSN: 1472-1465
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 216
• Issue: 6
• Pages: 301-307
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.2019.264
• Keywords: Peer support; Mental health; Implementation; Systematic review
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/3422171
• Publisher URL: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/the-british-journal-of-psychiatry/article/typology-of-modifications-to-peer-support-work-for-adults-with-mental-health-problems-systematic-review/E3410880C3F33A8478E570AAD0A0EE15
• Contract Date: Nov 27, 2019