Bridging the Gap
Towards a theory of peer-support worker integration within early intervention psychosis services
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21257535 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Scott Lamont (0000-0003-2497-1314, University of Technology Sydney, corresponding author), Chris McAteer (Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust), Leshia Patterson (Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 8 |
| Pages | 100548 |
| Publication date | 2025-12-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | SSM - Mental Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2666-5603 • E-ISSN: 2666-5603 |
| Publisher | Elsevier BV (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1016/j.ssmmh.2025.100548 |
| OpenAlex | W4415219263 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 27 |
Peer Support Workers are increasingly recognised as integral components of person-centred care provision within mental health services globally, and their presence within early intervention services is expanding. The benefits that peer support workers provide are well established, but less is known about how to quickly and effectively integrate them within early intervention services to maximise their role. This study explored barriers and enablers to effective implementation of peer support worker roles in early intervention services, through multi-stakeholder perceptions and insights involving service users, peer support workers, and clinicians. A qualitative, multi-site study within an NHS Foundation Trust in the North-West of England was employed. Semi-structured interviews with 18 participants across the three stakeholder groups were conducted, with Normalisation Process Theory guiding the collection and interpretation of participant data to identify barriers and enablers. Data were analysed thematically using a six-phase, deductive approach. Four core themes and nine sub-themes emerged from collated participant data, providing context across Normalisation Process Theory constructs. The four core themes related to: Navigating Uncertainty and Discovering Value, Building Engagement through Trust and Relatability, Structural and Relational Conditions Shaping the Functions of PSWs, and Recognising Impact in the Absence of Formal Structures . Effective integration in this context is underpinned by dynamic, relational factors. A theory of integration and logic model were developed to support policy and implementation efforts. These emphasise the need for comprehensive onboarding and evaluation mechanisms, and consideration of sustainability for these roles. • Presents multistakeholder perspectives on Peer Support Worker service integration • Features lived-experience led research using Normalisation Process Theory • Emphasises inter-relational dynamic barriers and enablers to integration success • Develops a new theory and logic model to support implementation efforts
Mental health · Participant observation · Peer support · Psychological intervention · Qualitative research · Mental Health and Patient Involvement · Psychiatric care and mental health services · Schizophrenia research and treatment
A systematic review of influences on implementation of peer support work for adults with mental health problems
Competing allegiance in an unclear role
Organisational Actions for Improving Recognition, Integration and Acceptance of Peer Support as Identified by a Current Peer Workforce
Thematic Analysis
Typology of Mental Health Peer Support Work Components
Perceptions of Supervisors of Peer Support Workers (PSW) in Behavioral Health
Enhancing Role Integrity for Peer Workers
Using thematic analysis in psychology
Naturalistic inquiry
Implementing, Embedding, and Integrating Practices
| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1 |
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 1 |