Abstract
Difficulties accessing primary care and community-based mental health supports has contributed toyouth (aged < 18years) with mental health concerns presenting to Emergency Departments (EDs). Peer support services in community-based mental health settings areassociated with improved outcomes; research exploring this in pediatric EDs is lacking. Determinefeasibility and acceptability of integrating peer support services into a pediatric ED. 13 peer support workers (PSWs) and 30 mental health providers andstakeholders participated in interviews or focus groups. Using codebookthematic analysis,recommendations for integrationwere identified. Key recommendations were:clear conceptualization of youth and family peer support, effective communication pathways between the multidisciplinary team and PSWs, provision of training for ED staff to ensure workplace readiness for peer support, and consistent support for PSWs. Integration of peer support into pediatric EDs offers a feasible andacceptable way to support youth experiencing mental health crises.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.