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BMC Psychiatry
Published in: BMC Psychiatry 1/2024

Open Access 01-12-2024 | Systematic Review

Actions targeting the integration of peer workforces in mental health organisations: a mixed-methods systematic review

Authors: Verity Reeves, Heather McIntyre, Mark Loughhead, Matthew Anthony Halpin, Nicholas Procter

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2024

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Abstract

Background

Lived experience workforces are one of the fastest growing emerging disciplines in Australian mental health service settings. Individuals with lived and living experience of mental distress employed in mental health services, often referred to as peer or lived experience workers, are widely considered essential for mental health recovery and reform. Despite vast growth of this workforce, concerns remain over the widespread integration of peer workforces to align with recommended movement of healthcare services toward greater recovery-orientated and person-centered practices. Previous research has identified barriers for peer work integration including a lack of clear role definition, inadequate training, and poor supportive organisational culture. Stigma, discrimination and a lack of acceptance by colleagues are also common themes. This systematic review seeks to identify organisational actions to support integration of peer workforces for improved mental health service delivery.

Method

A systematic search was conducted through online databases (n = 8) between January 1980 to November 2023. Additional data were sourced from conference proceedings, hand searching grey literature and scanning reference lists. Qualitative data was extracted and synthesised utilising narrative synthesis to identify key themes and findings reported adhere to PRISMA guidelines. The review protocol was registered with Prospero (CRD: 42,021,257,013).

Results

Four key actions were identified: education and training, organisational readiness, Structural adjustments, resourcing and support and, demonstrated commitment to peer integration and recovery practice.

Conclusions

The study identifies actions for mental health service organisations and system leaders to adopt in support of integrating peer and lived experience workforces in service delivery.
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Metadata
Title
Actions targeting the integration of peer workforces in mental health organisations: a mixed-methods systematic review
Authors
Verity Reeves
Heather McIntyre
Mark Loughhead
Matthew Anthony Halpin
Nicholas Procter
Publication date
01-12-2024
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-024-05664-9

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