Developing Peer Support Research Articles

The Future of Doctoral Training in Nonprofit Studies: New Students and New Challenges

The past decade has witnessed important shifts affecting the training of doctoral students studying nonprofits. The student body has become larger and more diverse as more students gain access to graduate school, more universities introduce doctoral programs, and the increasing use of the PhD or the Doctorate in Public Administration (DPA) as a professional qualification drives practitioners to seek these degrees. At the same time, academic hiring has not kept pace with the number of graduates, while non-academic employers are increasingly interested in hiring PhDs and DPAs. How should educators respond to these challenges? Combining market data with our experiences as teachers and pracademics from several different disciplines, we offer a roadmap for the evolution of doctoral training. We argue that doctoral programs must focus on meeting employer needs ahead of boosting recruitment. This includes focusing on training students for practitioner jobs and moving away from defining student success as an academic job offer. Programs must embrace the diversity of their students and attend to the needs of the whole student by developing peer support structures, encouraging faculty mentorship, adopting new teaching practices, including interdisciplinary perspectives, and creating resources that orient students to both doctoral study and post-graduation employment.

정신장애인 동료지원활동 경험에 대한 개념도 연구

The purpose of this study was to explore the peer support experiences of peer support for persons with mental illness using concept mapping methodology to derive key concepts in peer support for people with mental illness and to suggest directions for the expansion and development of peer support. To this end, interviews were conducted with 11 mental illness who had completed the peer support for persons with mental illness training educational program and had experience in peer support activities, and 79 core statements were derived. The research participants then sorted and rated the final derived statements, and the data were generated in a Group Similarity Matrix and Multidi- mensional Scaling and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis and Hierarchical Clustering Analysis (Ward method). As a result, the peer support practice experiences of peer supporters with mental illness were divided into practice efforts factors and practice effectiveness factors, and peer support practice direction factors and peer support practitioner factors, and were categorized into six clusters: “Perspectives on peers,” “Necessary competencies as experience experts,” “Continuous learning process,” “Promoting life recovery,” “Mutual growth of self and peers,” and “Positioning as a profession”. The study participants rated the sixth of the categorized groups, “Positioning as an Occupational Group,” as the most important. Based on these findings, recommends directions for promoting peer support, including institutionalizing peer support for persons with mental illness.

Understanding Women's Transitions from Military to Department of Veterans Affairs Care.

Background: Over the past two decades, increasing numbers of women have served in the military, with women now comprising 17.3% of active-duty personnel and 21.4% of National Guard and reserves. During military service, women often incur painful musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries related to carrying heavy loads and wearing ill-fitting gear. While women may receive initial care for these injuries under the auspices of the Department of Defense (DoD), these injuries often linger and further treatment in required as women transition to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) care. However, little is known about this transition process, and whether women are given adequate information and support regarding how to access VA care after their military service has ended. Research Design: To better understand these issues, we interviewed 65 women veterans with military service-related MSK injuries about their transition from DoD to VA care. Results: Six major themes emerged from the interviews. Those themes were: (1) Military injuries are often related to ill-fitting gear or carrying heavy loads; (2) Stigma/discrimination related to military injuries; (3) Limited assistance with transition between DoD and VA to manage ongoing injuries and pain; (4) Women have a difficult time managing perceptions and expectations of their weight after military service; (5) Childcare is a substantial burden for veterans in self-care; and (6) veterans desire peer-support services to help them stay healthy. Conclusions: Based on these findings, DoD and VA should continue to work together to develop programs to educate and support women as they transition from military to VA care. Furthermore, VA should consider developing peer support programs for women Veterans who may require additional support to maintain health, especially among Veteran mothers who have complex family responsibilities that may limit their ability to focus on their own health.

Staff Perspectives: Defining the Types, Challenges and Lessons Learnt of University Peer Support for Student Mental Health and Wellbeing

In university settings, peer support brings people together based on their student identity. Peer support has been advocated as an innovative intervention to aid student mental health and wellbeing as part of a whole university approach, especially post-pandemic when student support is critical. While the literature describes three types of university peer support for student mental health and wellbeing, peer-led support groups, peer mentoring, and peer learning, the sector lacks agreed definitions for these interventions. Formal reporting on peer support initiatives is rare, suggesting further types of peer support practice may exist. This qualitative study, comprising semi-structured interviews with 16 university staff members at 14 different institutions, aimed to generate comprehensive definitions of the types of peer support used in the sector through template analysis. The study also sought to understand the current practice, experiences, and challenges around implementing peer support interventions for undergraduate and postgraduate students’ mental health and wellbeing from the perspective of the staff who support and coordinate these programmes. Five types of peer support were identified and defined. In addition, the challenges of engagement, resource and capacity, and evaluation were highlighted. Finally, lessons learnt provided potential ways to address the challenges outlined and provided sector guidance for further developing peer support as part of a whole university approach to student mental health and wellbeing.

Peer Supporters' Experience of Supporting Cancer Patients: A Meta-synthesis.

With the widespread use of peer support in the cancer field, more and more cancer survivors are becoming supporters. However, they may bear a huge psychological burden in the peer support project. There has been little effort to analyze supporters' experiences from a meta-perspective. The aims of this study were to review the literature on the experience of patients serving as peer supporters, integrate qualitative data to explore the experiences of supporters participating in peer support programs, and provide suggestions for future researchers. China Knowledge Network, Wanfang Database, China Biomedical Literature Database, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were searched. Titles, abstracts, and full texts were screened. Included articles (n = 10) underwent data extraction, the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool for qualitative researches (2016) quality evaluation, and thematic synthesis. The literature ultimately included 10 studies from which 29 themes were distilled and grouped into 2 main categories: benefits and challenges of peer support for supporters. Peer supporters will not only gain social support, growth, and recovery but also experience various challenges when providing peer support. Both supporters' and patients' experiences of participating in peer support programs deserve the attention of researchers. Researchers need to be rigorous in controlling the implementation of peer support programs to help supporters gain and overcome challenges. Future researchers can use study findings to better develop peer support programs. More peer support projects are needed to explore a standardized peer support training guide.

Quick coherence technique facilitating commercial pilots’ psychophysiological resilience to the impact of COVID-19

This study investigates the effect of quick coherence technique (QCT) on commercial pilots’ resilience to the unprecedented impact of a pandemic. Eighteen commercial pilots voluntarily participated in a 2-day training course on QCT followed by 2 months of self-regulated QCT practicing during controlled rest in the flight deck and day-to day life. There are subjective and objective assessments to evaluate the effects of QCT on commercial pilots’ psychophysiological resilience. Results demonstrated that QCT training can significantly increase pilots’ psychophysiological resilience thereby improving their mental/physical health, cognitive functions, emotional stability and wellness on both subjective (PSS & AWSA) and objective measures (coherence scores). Moreover, pilots who continued practicing self-regulated QCT gained the maximum benefits. Current research has identified great potential to enhance pilots’ mental/physical health via QCT training. Operators can develop peer support programs for pilots to increase resilience and maintain mental and physical health using the QCT technique. Practitioner summary: QCT breathing has been proven to increase commercial pilots’ resilience by moderating psychophysiological coherence, strengthening mental/physical capacity and sustaining positive emotions to deal with the challenges both on the flight deck and in everyday life. HIGHLIGHTS Pilots have suffered from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic across many factors including social, economic, mental, physical, emotional, and operational issues Biofeedback training can increase commercial pilots’ resilience by moderating psychophysiological coherence, strengthening mental and physical capacity Self-regulated practicing QCT to form a habitual behaviour is required to sustain the maximum benefits either in the flight or day-to-day life QCT is an effective intervention for aviation authorities and airline operators to develop peer support programs to increase pilots’ fatigue resilience

Rehabilitation professionals’ views on individual peer support interventions for assisting stroke survivors with reintegration into the community: a qualitative study

Purpose We aimed to explore stroke rehabilitation professionals’ understanding and representations of peer support; the benefits they anticipated for patients; and the levers and barriers they perceived to implement the intervention in their practice. Materials and methods This qualitative study comprised four focus groups with 21 rehabilitation professionals and four semi-structured interviews. It was held in a French hospital. Interpretation was guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Results Although professionals had poor knowledge on peer support, they identified many unmet needs of stroke survivors that peer support could meet such as social, emotional and informational support. Main barriers were the lack of human and financial resources, and of linkage between hospital and community professionals, and the fear that peer support would give false hope to survivors if not delivered properly. They showed ambivalence towards patient engagement, acknowledging its importance, but demonstrating top-down attitudes. They also identified potential avenues for the implementation of peer support for stroke survivors. Conclusions Our study supports the necessity to involve professionals in the construction of peer-support interventions and to sensitise them to provide patient-centred care. It delivers insights on effective implementation strategies to develop peer support interventions for stroke survivors reintegrating the community.

Navigating peer relationships: What do friendships look like for children whose parents have mental illnesses?

AbstractPeer support programmes among children whose parents have mental illnesses have rarely focused on how these children relate with peers in the general population. Therefore, this phenomenological study in Ghana involved interviews with 13 children (ages 10 to 17) living with parental mental illness to learn about their peer relationships. Data were analysed to identify the phenomenon's essential features and constituents. The study finds that peer relations entail secrecy, peer victimisation and abuse. To these children, keeping secrets about parental mental illness ensures they have ‘normal’ peer relationships like others, as troubled peer relationships can develop when peers are informed about the parents' mental illness. Name‐calling, teasing and withdrawal persists when peers are aware of one's parental mental illness. Although the children perceive that they may find comfort in children who are in a similar situation, the pros and cons of developing peer support out of these in‐groups have to be verified rather than assumed. It is recommended that helping professionals educate school children and address myths they have about mental illness and its impact on their relationships.

‘Be prepared and give it a go!’ Transitions into further education for learners with additional learning needs

Transitions in education are known to have an impact on learners both in social and emotional terms as well as academically. This article argues that transition experiences should be regarded as an on‐going process rather than a one‐off event. The move from compulsory education at the age of 16 can have a significant impact on engagement and retention, particularly for learners with additional learning needs (ALN), yet this is an underexplored area. While the transition from compulsory education to a further education (FE) setting brings increased independence, new opportunities and the emergence of adulthood, it can also be a time of trepidation and uncertainty for all learners, including those with ALN. Using an interpretive methodology, the voices of key stakeholders in the transition to FE from one setting were recorded to explore and inform good practice. Data were gathered using online questionnaires, interviews and focus groups. Findings ascertained the value of nurturing effective practitioner–learner relationships in preparation for transition, the importance of developing peer support networks and the provision of a central, safe space that is accessible to learners with ALN at all times.

Personal Experience, Involvement and Activism for the Reform of Uganda's Mental Health System.

This Fresh Focus commentary describes the author's grassroots perspective on and advocacy efforts to bring about change within the mental health system in Uganda. The essay draws on personal narrative, first-hand description of human rights violations, grassroots efforts to bring about change through legal advocacy and development of peer support and service user leadership initiatives, and ultimately charts a course for deeper change.

‘Keeping the informal safe’: Strategies for developing peer support initiatives for young people who have experienced sexual violence

AbstractThere is increasing recognition of the value of trauma‐informed approaches when working with young people affected by sexual violence. Peer support is a key principle of a trauma‐informed approach; however, there are limited examples of peer support programmes for this group. This paper draws on interviews with 25 respondents with knowledge and experience of peer support initiatives with young people impacted by sexual violence. The article outlines their perspectives on how peer support initiatives – that may be viewed as more ‘risky’ than traditional casework – can be kept ‘safe’. Six strategies are identified together with implications for practice.

Mobile Phone-Based Intervention Among Adolescents Living With Perinatally Acquired HIV Transitioning from Pediatric to Adult Care: Protocol for the Interactive Transition Support for Adolescents Living With HIV using Social Media (InTSHA) Study.

BackgroundAdolescents living with perinatally acquired HIV often have poor retention in care and viral suppression during the transition from pediatric to adult-based care.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to evaluate a mobile phone–based intervention, Interactive Transition Support for Adolescents Living With HIV using Social Media (InTSHA), among adolescents living with perinatally acquired HIV as they transition from pediatric to adult care in South Africa.MethodsInTSHA uses encrypted, closed group chats delivered via WhatsApp (Meta Platforms Inc) to develop peer support and improve communication between adolescents, their caregivers, and health care providers. The intervention is based on formative work with adolescents, caregivers, and health care providers and builds on several existing adolescent support programs as well as the Social-ecological Model of Adolescent and Young Adult Readiness for Transition (SMART). The final InTSHA intervention involves 10 modules conducted weekly through moderated WhatsApp group chats with adolescents and separately with their caregivers. We will randomly assign 80 South African adolescents living with perinatally acquired HIV who are aware of their HIV status and aged between 15 and 19 years to receive either the intervention (n=40) or standard of care (n=40).ResultsWe will measure acceptability of the intervention as the primary outcome and evaluate feasibility and preliminary effectiveness for retention in care and viral suppression after completion of the intervention and at least 6 months after randomization. In addition, we will measure secondary outcomes evaluating the impact of the InTSHA intervention on peer support, self-esteem, depression, stigma, sexual education, connection to health care providers, and transition readiness. Enrollment began on April 15, 2021. As of December 31, 2021 a total of 78 out of expected 80 participants have been enrolled.ConclusionsIf successful, the intervention will be evaluated in a fully powered randomized controlled trial with a larger number of adolescents from urban and rural populations to further evaluate the generalizability of InTSHA.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03624413; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03624413International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/35455

Co-designing consumer and carer peer support principles to assess quality

ABSTRACT Objectives: Peer support has recently been integrated into post-discharge adult mental health services in Australia. This study establishes a consensus on the underpinning, context-specific peer support principles for both consumer and carer peer support and develops and pilot tests a scale to assess the quality of peer support. Methods: A co-design mixed methods approach was taken to iteratively develop peer support principles and to design co-responding survey items. Initial testing of the scale was undertaken with a convenience sample of 33 consumers and 35 carers who received peer support in the preceding nine months. Data were triangulated across multiple data sets for integration across consumers and carers. Scale internal reliability was assessed and comparisons between consumers and carers were investigated. Results: High rates of agreement on scale items measuring five co-designed peer support principles indicated strong service quality. Mann–Whitney U tests demonstrated no difference between consumer and carer responses and scale reliability was α = .93. Open-ended questions were filtered through the five peer support principles and on the whole showed convergence on the peer support principles by the various stakeholders. Discussion: To date, this is the first known development and application of an integrated scale for both consumers and carers in a post-discharge clinical mental health setting. Opportunity exists for further testing fidelity to peer support principles across various post-discharge peer support settings.

Applying psychophysiological coherence training based on HRV-biofeedback to enhance pilots’ resilience and wellbeing

Introduction. The COVID-19 pandemic not only limited pilots’ proficiency in performing routine tasks, but also increased stress levels and operational risk due to new procedures in flight operations related to safety and health regulations. There is, therefore, an increasing need to improve pilots’ mental and physical health to maintain aviation safetyResearch question. (1) Does the practice of psychophysiological coherence using heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback and the Quick Coherence Technique (QCT) improve pilots’ resilience? (2) What effects does psychophysiological coherence practice have on pilots’ resilience and wellbeing?Method. Eighteen commercial pilots’ perceived stress and wellness were evaluated subjectively by the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Ardell Wellness Self-Assessment (AWSA). They were taught the QCT for facilitating psychophysiological coherence, and their HRV data reflecting automatic nervous system (ANS) activities were collected as they practiced QCT via Inner Balance HRV sensors.Results. The QCT training improved pilots’ AWSA scores (t = -3.55, p = .002) and decreased PSS scores (t = 6.37, p < .001). Pilots’ post-training HRV were improved with SDNNs higher than pre-training, t = -4.88, p < .001; normalized low frequency (LF) power increased (t = -10.91, p < .001) and low-frequency to high-frequency (LF/HF) ratios increased (t = -3.92, p = .001). Additionally, pilots’ post-training respiration rates were lower than pre-training, t = -2,45, p = .025.Discussion. Based on the empirical data analysis, HRV-biofeedback QCT can improve psychophysiological coherence and thereby increase pilots’ resilience and wellbeing. Increased post-training SDNNs, normalized LF power, and LF/HF ratio indicate the improvement of ANS control and balance, and stress management capacity. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of HRV-biofeedback QCT training in improving psychophysiological coherence, which confers real-time and post-practice benefits of optimal energy utility and self-regulation in challenging situations on flight operations and everyday life.Conclusion. This research demonstrates significant benefits of a short session of HRV-biofeedback QCT on pilots’ resilience and cognitive process by improving psychophysiological coherence. HRV-biofeedback QCT training can be an effective intervention for aviation authorities and airline operators to develop peer support programs for pilots to increase psychological resilience and wellbeing. This may be particularly beneficial given the various challenges presented to pilots in their preparation for return to normal operations.

Experiences of Patient-Led Chronic Pain Peer Support Groups After Pain Management Programs: A Qualitative Study.

ObjectiveA qualitative study of patients’ experiences and the impacts of peer support groups that patients maintained after UK NHS group pain management programs (PMPs).DesignLong-term impacts of group PMPs remain unclear, with indications that positive effects can fade. We evaluated a model of continued peer support, co-produced by patients and clinicians, to maintain the therapeutic impact of PMP groups. A protocol was implemented that encouraged patients to continue to meet in their established PMP group for patient-led peer support (without clinical input) after PMPs finished. Peer support aimed to consolidate self-management, and advance social life recovery. We examined the impacts that groups had on attendees, and why some dropped out.MethodsSemi-structured interviews with 38 patients and 7 clinicians, analyzed thematically.ResultsFriendship bonds and mutual understandings of effective ways of coping with pain encouraged participants to maintain recovery following PMPs. After PMP professional involvement has ended, these meetings enabled patients to develop greater agency from the shared sense of helping bring about new achievements or averting setbacks. Peer support extended the understanding of what is possible when living with pain. However, continuing meetings were not right for all. Reasons for not attending included lack of connection with peers.ConclusionsCo-produced peer support groups after PMPs can be a low-cost, effective social intervention, providing emotional, practical and social benefits, with improved self-management skills, stronger social connections and some reduced use of health services. Project resources for developing peer support meetings after PMPs are freely available online.

An Artifact-based Simulation Method for Teaching Intellectual Property Management in an Innovation and Entrepreneurship Course

Intellectual Property (IP) protection and management is the base of an entrepreneurship ecosystem. However, how to teach IP management is a relatively new topic in Asian universities. This paper reports a simulation method for teaching IP management and its impact on student learning motivation and behavior. This method uses a computer-aided software system and random-generated artefacts to simulate new product idea, execute patent trading and coordinate student teams to compete among each other while executing an IP management strategy. The project was implemented in two universities in Hong Kong in the past three years. It is found that the simulation system is quite effective in implementing action-based learning, increasing attention, and motivating students to practice more interactive learning and teamwork. It is also found that artefacts in the simulation system help competing teams to converge group thinking, induce the follow-up group actions promptly, and at the same time develop peer support and interactions for problem solving.

Peer support in early intervention in psychosis: a qualitative research study

Background There is evidence that peer support can be helpful for people suffering from psychosis, but there is a lack of research describing peer support in the context of Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP). Aims We aim to investigate the key elements of peer support in EIP and how peer support workers might best be recruited and supported in their work. Method We used purposive sampling to recruit seven participants for semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Results Destigmatisation of psychotic experiences is a central concept that runs through all themes. Participants perceived peer support as a meaningful source of support that could provide benefits to peers (service users) and peer support workers. Themes included a “symbol of hope,” “practical support,” “mutuality and reciprocity,” “bridge between service and peers,” “ideal requirements of peer support workers,” “delivering peer support,” and “team-working and role clarification.” Conclusions Peer support makes a strong contribution to destigmatising psychosis. Findings potentially contribute to developing peer support workers’ roles in EIP. Future research is recommended to investigate the perspectives of ethnic minorities on this topic and practical applications of these findings.

An International Study Exploring the Experience of Survivors of Critical Illness as Volunteers Within ICU Recovery Services.

Qualitative exploration using in-depth semistructured interviews. The study design used an inductive content analysis process. We also documented the roles that were adopted by volunteers in each site involved in the study. Patients and caregivers were sampled from seven sites across three continents. Patients and caregivers who had adopted peer-volunteering roles were undertaken. None. Twelve patient and caregiver peer volunteers were interviewed. Four key themes were identified. These themes related to the experience of volunteers within ICU recovery services and their motivation for undertaking these roles: 1) self-belief and acceptance, 2) developing peer support, 3) social roles and a sense of purpose, and 4) giving back. Overwhelmingly, participants were positive about the role of the volunteer in the critical care setting. Peer volunteers undertake a variety of roles in ICU recovery services and during recovery more generally. These roles appear to be of direct benefit to those in these roles. Future research is needed to develop these roles and fully understand the potential impact on the service, including the impact on other patients.

Barriers to diabetic foot care in a disadvantaged population: A qualitative assessment

ObjectiveWe explored barriers to proper foot care in this population using a qualitative approach with focus group discussions (FGD). MethodsParticipants were recruited from clinics at a safety-net hospital in Atlanta, Georgia and stratified into two groups: diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) and minor amputation (below ankle). The FGDs addressed patient experience in receiving care with a goal of understanding: foot care knowledge, barriers to care, and preferred educational methods. Surveys were performed to supplement FGDs. ResultsForty participants (90% Black) were enrolled. Dominant themes emerging from FGDs were: 1-Patients reported adequate understanding of recommended foot care practices; 2-Personal barriers to self-care included lack of motivation, high cost, poor insurance coverage of supplies, and difficulty limiting activity for proper offloading; 3-Hospital system barriers included difficulty making timely appointments and reaching a provider to arrange care; 4-Access to footcare-related information and services improved with greater disease severity. Participants stressed that improved access often came too late to alter their course. They expressed interest in developing peer support groups to facilitate learning and sharing information relating to DFU. ConclusionWe found that patients with DFU or minor amputations have adequate footcare-related knowledge, but personal and systemic barriers limited appropriate foot care.

Exploring the meaning of quality of life for assisted living residents: A photo-elicitation study

Assisted living is a popular alternative to residential care, promoting independence and enabling self-care through a supportive living environment. Practitioner understanding of quality of life (QoL) experiences are vital to facilitate good physical and mental health in assisted living. An idiographic case study approach explored resident experiences by combining photo-elicitation and interpretive phenomenological analysis. QoL was understood through three themes: facilitation of identity coherence and transition, the essential nature of socialising, and perceptions of a supportive environment. Assisted living has the potential to act as a bearer for cues of identity continuity with nostalgic devices facilitating environment transition and limiting biographical disruption. Furthermore, opportunities for social contact offer a protective function for residents adapting to negative life challenges such as bereavement. To foster health and QoL in withdrawn residents’ facilities should develop peer support programmes with benefits for both mentor and mentee.