Actions targeting the integration of peer workforces in mental health organisations: a mixed-methods systematic review
Date
2024
Authors
Reeves, V.
McIntyre, H.
Loughhead, M.
Halpin, M.A.
Procter, N.
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Journal article
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BMC Psychiatry, 2024; 24(1, article no. 211):1-15
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Abstract
Background: Lived experience workforces are one of the fastest growing emerging disciplines in Australian mental health service settings. Individuals with lived and living experience of mental distress employed in mental health services, often referred to as peer or lived experience workers, are widely considered essential for mental health recovery and reform. Despite vast growth of this workforce, concerns remain over the widespread integration of peer workforces to align with recommended movement of healthcare services toward greater recovery-orientated and person-centered practices. Previous research has identified barriers for peer work integration including a lack of clear role definition, inadequate training, and poor supportive organisational culture. Stigma, discrimination and a lack of acceptance by colleagues are also common themes. This systematic review seeks to identify organisational actions to support integration of peer workforces for improved mental health service delivery.
Method: A systematic search was conducted through online databases (nā=ā8) between January 1980 to November 2023. Additional data were sourced from conference proceedings, hand searching grey literature and scanning reference lists. Qualitative data was extracted and synthesised utilising narrative synthesis to identify key themes and findings reported adhere to PRISMA guidelines. The review protocol was registered with Prospero (CRD: 42,021,257,013).
Results: Four key actions were identified: education and training, organisational readiness, Structural adjustments, resourcing and support and, demonstrated commitment to peer integration and recovery practice.
Conclusions: The study identifies actions for mental health service organisations and system leaders to adopt in support of integrating peer and lived experience workforces in service delivery.
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Copyright 2024 The author(s). This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)