Peers experience of delivering a problem-solving programme to enhance antipsychotic medication adherence for individuals with schizophrenia.

Abstract

No research has been conducted into the experience of peer support in improving adherence with oral antipsychotic medication for consumers with schizophrenia. Altruism influences peers to participate in peer support. Engagement in peer support can be challenging and rewarding for peers, and helps improve their own confidence and well-being. Many consumers with schizophrenia are reluctant to take their prescribed antipsychotic medications; however, non-adherence can lead to relapse. The aim of this study was to evaluate peers' perspectives of their participation in a problem-solving peer support programme to enhance adherence in consumers who are reluctant to take antipsychotic medication. Peers contacted consumers by a weekly telephone call for 8 weeks, and used a problem-solving approach to inform their discussion about medication adherence. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were used to evaluate peers' perspectives of their involvement in the programme. Three main themes were abstracted from the data: motivation to participate in the study, experience of peer support programme, and rewards and challenges of the peer experience. Helping others was an important motivator for peers in agreeing to participate in the study. Telephone delivery was a convenient way to deliver the peer support programme. However, at times, it was difficult to contact consumers by telephone and this caused some frustration. Despite these difficulties, peers recognized that being involved in the programme increased their confidence and made them feel worthwhile. The findings have implications for the use of peer support as an adjunct intervention to promote medication adherence in consumers with schizophrenia.