theory
Where Does Value Lie in Peer Support?
Qual Health Res. 2020 Oct 19:1049732320964173. doi: 10.1177/1049732320964173. [Pubmed Abstract]
Walker C, Peterson CL
Abstract
A literature review was undertaken in 2019 to review research into the effectiveness of peer support in chronic disease self-management. As with an earlier literature review, we found the results disappointing due to poor reporting and poor research design. Lack of information on training of peer supporters, unrealistically short timeframes to produce changes in health behaviors, and lack of any theoretical underpinning of the research design contributed to rating randomized controlled trials as poor to medium quality evidence. At the same time, systematic reviews consider peer support as effective, arguing that improved research design and evaluation would demonstrate this. This article discusses the need to examine more closely the contribution of peer support to chronic disease care as well as considering how research methods might more closely…
Key Features of Peer Support in Chronic Disease Prevention and Management
Health Aff (Millwood). 2015 Sep 1;34(9):1523-30. [Pubmed Abstract]
Key Features Of Peer Support In Chronic Disease Prevention And Management
Fisher EB, Ballesteros J, Bhushan N, Coufal MM, Kowitt SD, McDonough AM, Parada H, Robinette JB, Sokol RL, Tang PY, Urlaub D
Abstract
Peer support from community health workers, promotores de salud, and others through community and health care organizations can provide social support and other assistance that enhances health. There is substantial evidence for both the effectiveness and the cost-effectiveness of peer support, as well as for its feasibility, reach, and sustainability. We discuss findings from Peers for Progress, a program of the American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation, to examine when peer support does not work, guide dissemination of peer support programs, and help integrate approaches such as e-health into peer support. Success factors for peer support programs include proactive implementation, attention to…
Individual Peer Support: A Qualitative Study of Mechanisms of Its Effectiveness
Community Ment Health J. 2014 Dec 23. [Pubmed Abstract]
Individual Peer Support: A Qualitative Study of Mechanisms of Its Effectiveness
Gidugu V, Rogers ES, Harrington S, Maru M, Johnson G, Cohee J, Hinkel J
Abstract
Peer-delivered services for individuals with psychiatric conditions have proliferated over the past three decades. The values and principles underlying peer support have been explored, but we lack an understanding of its mechanisms of action. To shed light on the processes of peer support, we conducted a study with individuals who had received substantial individual peer support. We completed individual interviews, audiotaped, transcribed, and examined them using a thematic analysis approach. Our analyses suggest that individual peer support provided various practical, emotional, and social supports which were perceived as beneficial. Participants valued having someone to rely on, a friend, and someone to socialize with. We, however, found that individuals’…
