Abstract
BackgroundEngaging peer support to augment and enhance traditional mental health services presents novel opportunities to improve service engagement and delivery. However, there has not been an in-depth analysis of the processes and methods behind the coordination of physical health and mental health care by peer support specialists.Study aimTo explore the potential of peer support specialists in community mental health centers and as a means to improve coordination of physical health and mental health services for people with a serious mental illness.MethodsWe conducted 28 semi-structured qualitative interviews with peer support specialists and mental healthcare professionals in community mental health centers in two states (blinded for review) in the United States. Data were triangulated to explore peer support specialists and mental health professionals’ perspectives.ResultsWe found five themes characterizing the role of peer support services in the coordination of physical health and mental health services for individuals with serious mental illness: (1) Advocacy in interprofessional meetings, clinical teams, and advisory councils; (2) Sharing lived experiences and connecting with available resources and services; (3) Preparing for mental health and physical health care visits; (4) Mutuality; and (5) Affiliations, funding, and sustainability of peer support services.ConclusionThis study suggests that peer support specialists can uniquely contribute to the coordination of physical health and mental health services for individuals with serious mental illness.
Highlights
People with serious mental illness (SMI) are challenged by numerous treatment and care needs in the context of a fragmented system of social, medical, and mental health services
We found five themes characterizing the role of peer support services in the coordination of physical health and mental health services for individuals with serious mental illness: [1] Advocacy in interprofessional meetings, clinical teams, and advisory councils; [2] Sharing lived experiences and connecting with available resources and services; [3] Preparing for mental health and physical health care visits; [4] Mutuality; and [5] Affiliations, funding, and sustainability of peer support services
This study suggests that peer support specialists can uniquely contribute to the coordination of physical health and mental health services for individuals with serious mental illness
Summary
People with serious mental illness (SMI) are challenged by numerous treatment and care needs in the context of a fragmented system of social, medical, and mental health services. AHRQ has developed a framework that includes key coordination components, establishment of shared accountability, communication among involved stakeholders, exchange of information, facilitation of care transitions, clinical assessment of care needs and goals, careful monitoring and response to change, support of self-management, and providing links to community resources. Exchange of information, facilitating care transitions, supporting self-management, and providing links to community resources are coordination components in which a peer support specialist can uniquely contribute to coordinated physical health and mental health care for individuals with SMI. Study aim: To explore the potential of peer support specialists in community mental health centers and as a means to improve coordination of physical health and mental health services for people with a serious mental illness
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