“Understanding the journey from A to Z”: centering peer support perspectives to unveil the mechanisms and power of peer support
| Date | 04 April 2023 |
| Pages | 538-548 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-02-2023-0016 |
| Published date | 04 April 2023 |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Mental health,Social inclusion |
| Author | Sandy Rao,Gina Dimitropoulos |
“Understanding the journey from A to Z”:
centering peer support perspectives to
unveil the mechanisms and power of
peer support
Sandy Rao and Gina Dimitropoulos
Abstract
Purpose –This study aims to gain insights from peer support workers (PSWs) on the unseen
mechanisms of peer supportwork that may be applied to implementing a child and youth mental health
peer supportprogram in a children’s hospital emergency department(ED).
Design/methodology/approach –This study used a critical realist perspective with a qualitative
research design. Eight participants, all PSWs in health, community and social services working with
adults, adolescents and children, were recruited from Alberta, Canada. Data were collected through
in-personsemi-structured interviews andanalyzed using Braun and Clarke’sreflexive thematic analysis.
Findings –The results generatedinterrelated patterns of meaning among PSWs that were groupedinto
three main themes: insideout and outside in, no one leaves empty-handed and sculpting health system
softness.
Research limitations/implications –All participants were trained by the same organization and may
have similar understandingsand approaches to the peer support role. Participants werepredominantly
of a similar demographic; thus, participants with minoritized identities may have challenges not
represented.
Practical implications –Using nontraditionalstaffing models in an acute center may facilitate a shift to
meet the chronicand complex issues of the 21st century.
Social implications –Youth peer support roles may reduce stigma by challenging stereotypes and
myths, reduce social isolation and improve meaning, connection and belonging for individuals with
mentalillness who are often dislocated and disconnectedfrom society.
Originality/value –This study exemplified the positiveimpacts peer support could make by improving
child, youth and family experiences; reducing stigma; providing hope and help; and embedding the
recoverymodel directly into the ED.
Keywords Child and youth mental health, Family and Caregivers, Emergency department,
Peer support, Hospitals, Qualitative studies
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
Presentations to the Emergency Department (ED) for mental and behavioral concerns for
children and youth are increasing at alarmingrates (Campbell et al., 2020;Leon et al.,2017;
Newton et al., 2010,2014). Recent data described a 75% increase in ED visit rates for
mental disorders by Canadians of 5–24 years of age (Campbell et al.,2020;Canada and
Canadian Institute for Health Information, 2015). Children and youth with mood, anxiety,
behavioral and substance use-related disorders access the ED for healthcare more than
any other diagnostic groups; however, mental health (MH) presentations are complex and
Sandy Rao is based at the
Faculty of Social Work,
University of Calgary,
Calgary, Canada.
Gina Dimitropoulos is
based at the Faculty of
Social Work, University of
Calgary, Calgary, Canada;
Department of Psychiatry,
University of Calgary,
Calgary, Canada and
Mathison Centre for Mental
Health Research and
Education, University of
Calgary, Calgary, Canada.
This research was madepossible
by the funding provided by the
Canadian MentalH ealth
Association –CalgaryBranch
and the Addiction andMental
Health Strategic Clinical
Networks. The authorsextend
our deepest appreciation to both
organizationsfor their generous
support, which enabledus to
carry out this studyand
contribute to theadvancement of
mental health research.
PAGE 538 jMENTAL HEALTH AND SOCIAL INCLUSION jVOL. 28 NO. 5 2024, pp. 538-548, ©EmeraldPublishing Limited, ISSN 2042-8308 DOI 10.1108/MHSI-02-2023-0016
Get this document and AI-powered insights with a free trial of vLex and Vincent AI
Get Started for FreeStart Your Free Trial of vLex and Vincent AI, Your Precision-Engineered Legal Assistant
-
Access comprehensive legal content with no limitations across vLex's unparalleled global legal database
-
Build stronger arguments with verified citations and CERT citator that tracks case history and precedential strength
-
Transform your legal research from hours to minutes with Vincent AI's intelligent search and analysis capabilities
-
Elevate your practice by focusing your expertise where it matters most while Vincent handles the heavy lifting
Start Your Free Trial of vLex and Vincent AI, Your Precision-Engineered Legal Assistant
-
Access comprehensive legal content with no limitations across vLex's unparalleled global legal database
-
Build stronger arguments with verified citations and CERT citator that tracks case history and precedential strength
-
Transform your legal research from hours to minutes with Vincent AI's intelligent search and analysis capabilities
-
Elevate your practice by focusing your expertise where it matters most while Vincent handles the heavy lifting
Start Your Free Trial of vLex and Vincent AI, Your Precision-Engineered Legal Assistant
-
Access comprehensive legal content with no limitations across vLex's unparalleled global legal database
-
Build stronger arguments with verified citations and CERT citator that tracks case history and precedential strength
-
Transform your legal research from hours to minutes with Vincent AI's intelligent search and analysis capabilities
-
Elevate your practice by focusing your expertise where it matters most while Vincent handles the heavy lifting
Start Your Free Trial of vLex and Vincent AI, Your Precision-Engineered Legal Assistant
-
Access comprehensive legal content with no limitations across vLex's unparalleled global legal database
-
Build stronger arguments with verified citations and CERT citator that tracks case history and precedential strength
-
Transform your legal research from hours to minutes with Vincent AI's intelligent search and analysis capabilities
-
Elevate your practice by focusing your expertise where it matters most while Vincent handles the heavy lifting
Start Your Free Trial of vLex and Vincent AI, Your Precision-Engineered Legal Assistant
-
Access comprehensive legal content with no limitations across vLex's unparalleled global legal database
-
Build stronger arguments with verified citations and CERT citator that tracks case history and precedential strength
-
Transform your legal research from hours to minutes with Vincent AI's intelligent search and analysis capabilities
-
Elevate your practice by focusing your expertise where it matters most while Vincent handles the heavy lifting