Experiences and Challenges in the Role as Peer Support Workers in a Swedish Mental Health Context - An Interview Study
Wall, Anna ; Lovheden, Theresia ; Landgren, Kajsa LU
and Stjernswärd, Sigrid
LU
(2022)
In Issues in Mental Health Nursing
43(4).
p.344-355
- Abstract
The focus on recovery within psychiatric care is increasing, where peer support may play a pivotal role. Previous research shows both mixed and promising results in terms of beneficial outcomes for patients and peer support workers (PSW). The study’s aim was to investigate PSW’ experiences of their professional role and associated relationships with healthcare staff and patients. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 PSW. Data was analyzed with content analysis. Three themes were constructed; “Experience of stigma”, “Authenticity and balance in the patient relationship” and “Opportunities and setbacks in the team”. Challenges included stigmatization, loyalty conflicts, lack of a clear job description and feelings of... (More)
The focus on recovery within psychiatric care is increasing, where peer support may play a pivotal role. Previous research shows both mixed and promising results in terms of beneficial outcomes for patients and peer support workers (PSW). The study’s aim was to investigate PSW’ experiences of their professional role and associated relationships with healthcare staff and patients. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 PSW. Data was analyzed with content analysis. Three themes were constructed; “Experience of stigma”, “Authenticity and balance in the patient relationship” and “Opportunities and setbacks in the team”. Challenges included stigmatization, loyalty conflicts, lack of a clear job description and feelings of insecurity and disinterest among other staff. However, the peer support role was perceived as deeply meaningful. The peer support role comes with challenges and opportunities for the PSW, and potentially for the patients and the surrounding work team. Further research is needed to illuminate the value of peer support for patients, PSW and healthcare staff, and potential barriers and facilitators to the integration of peer support within psychiatric care.
(Less)
- author
- Wall, Anna
; Lovheden, Theresia
; Landgren, Kajsa
LU
and Stjernswärd, Sigrid
LU
- organization
- publishing date
- 2022
- type
- Contribution to journal
- publication status
- published
- subject
- in
- Issues in Mental Health Nursing
- volume
- 43
- issue
- 4
- pages
- 344 - 355
- publisher
- Taylor & Francis
- external identifiers
-
- pmid:34569894
- scopus:85115885110
- ISSN
- 0161-2840
- DOI
- 10.1080/01612840.2021.1978596
- language
- English
- LU publication?
- yes
- additional info
- Publisher Copyright: © 2021 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. Copyright: Copyright 2021 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.
- id
- 00bafae2-d41a-40d4-84af-8311aeade349
- date added to LUP
- 2021-10-04 16:14:48
- date last changed
- 2025-04-08 01:59:43
@article{00bafae2-d41a-40d4-84af-8311aeade349,
abstract = {{<p>The focus on recovery within psychiatric care is increasing, where peer support may play a pivotal role. Previous research shows both mixed and promising results in terms of beneficial outcomes for patients and peer support workers (PSW). The study’s aim was to investigate PSW’ experiences of their professional role and associated relationships with healthcare staff and patients. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 PSW. Data was analyzed with content analysis. Three themes were constructed; “Experience of stigma”, “Authenticity and balance in the patient relationship” and “Opportunities and setbacks in the team”. Challenges included stigmatization, loyalty conflicts, lack of a clear job description and feelings of insecurity and disinterest among other staff. However, the peer support role was perceived as deeply meaningful. The peer support role comes with challenges and opportunities for the PSW, and potentially for the patients and the surrounding work team. Further research is needed to illuminate the value of peer support for patients, PSW and healthcare staff, and potential barriers and facilitators to the integration of peer support within psychiatric care.</p>}},
author = {{Wall, Anna and Lovheden, Theresia and Landgren, Kajsa and Stjernswärd, Sigrid}},
issn = {{0161-2840}},
language = {{eng}},
number = {{4}},
pages = {{344--355}},
publisher = {{Taylor & Francis}},
series = {{Issues in Mental Health Nursing}},
title = {{Experiences and Challenges in the Role as Peer Support Workers in a Swedish Mental Health Context - An Interview Study}},
url = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/01612840.2021.1978596}},
doi = {{10.1080/01612840.2021.1978596}},
volume = {{43}},
year = {{2022}},
}