Peer-delivered services and peer support reaching people with schizophrenia: A scoping review

Abstract

Peers with shared lived experience may help people with schizophrenia (PWS) recover in many ways, such as by assisting them to cope with debilitating symptoms, address practical challenges of living, combat stigma, and lessen social isolation. Despite their expansion in practice, peer-delivered services are not yet considered to be evidence-based practice for schizophrenia. This is due in part to the diversity of intervention components across programs, leading to uncertainty about just what these services entail. A focused examination of strategies and intended outcomes will facilitate more effective service design and delivery. To this end, this scoping review systematically examined the published literature describing peer-delivered services reaching PWS. The 22 studies reviewed described 20 unique interventions, representing significant diversity in formats and components, including those focused on psychological coping and practical skills, such as for independent living. Seven of nine studies measuring at least one key outcome (acute care utilization, patient functioning, positive or negative symptoms) found significant effects favoring peer-delivered intervention. Three of four studies measuring negative symptoms reported a reduction, notable considering these are often difficult to change. Results suggest areas for improvement, including a more thorough examination of program components and tailoring to the specific needs of PWS.