Rachael Collins1, Lucy Firth2, Tom Shakespeare1. 1. a Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia , Norwich , UK and. 2. b Woodlands House, Norwich Community Hospital , Norwich , Norfolk , UK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Mental health services continue to develop service user involvement, including a growth in employment of peer support workers (PSWs). Despite the importance of the views and attitudes expressed by psychiatrists, this topic has not previously been studied. AIMS: To gain insight into the views and attitudes psychiatrists have about PSWs. METHODS: A qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews with 11 psychiatrists in the East of England. RESULTS: Psychiatrists were broadly positive and supportive of PSWs. Interviewees not only could anticipate a range of possible benefits of employing PSWs, but also had concerns regarding their implementation and management. There was a lack of clarity and consistency between interviewees about what the exact role of a PSW might involve. CONCLUSION: This study provides insights into how PSWs are perceived by psychiatrists. While broadly positive attitudes exist, the research highlights certain challenges, particularly role ambiguity.
BACKGROUND: Mental health services continue to develop service user involvement, including a growth in employment of peer support workers (PSWs). Despite the importance of the views and attitudes expressed by psychiatrists, this topic has not previously been studied. AIMS: To gain insight into the views and attitudes psychiatrists have about PSWs. METHODS: A qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews with 11 psychiatrists in the East of England. RESULTS: Psychiatrists were broadly positive and supportive of PSWs. Interviewees not only could anticipate a range of possible benefits of employing PSWs, but also had concerns regarding their implementation and management. There was a lack of clarity and consistency between interviewees about what the exact role of a PSW might involve. CONCLUSION: This study provides insights into how PSWs are perceived by psychiatrists. While broadly positive attitudes exist, the research highlights certain challenges, particularly role ambiguity.
Keywords:
Consumer participation; attitudes; peer support workers; psychiatrists