Integrating Peer Support into Early Intervention in Psychosis Services

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Bridging the gap - Integrating Peer Support Workers in Early Intervention Psychosis Services: A Multi-Stakeholder Perspective

  • IRAS ID

    346382

  • Contact name

    Christopher McAteer

  • Contact email

    chris.mcateer@lscft.nhs.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Trust

  • Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier

    NA, NA

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    0 years, 4 months, 5 days

  • Research summary

    Background: Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) services have demonstrated improved outcomes for individuals experiencing first-episode psychosis. However, functional recovery often lags behind clinical remission, necessitating additional support mechanisms. Peer Support Workers (PSWs), with their lived experience, offer a promising approach to bridge this gap, yet their integration into EIP services remains understudied.
    Aim: This study aims to explore multi-stakeholder perspectives on the successful integration of PSWs in EIP services within the Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust.
    Methods: A qualitative research design will be employed, utilising semi-structured interviews with 6-8 service users, 6-8 PSWs, and 6-8 NHS staff members. Participants will be recruited through purposive sampling across six NHS sites. Interviews will be analysed using thematic analysis, guided by the Normalisation Process Theory framework.
    Expected Outcomes: The study seeks to identify enablers and barriers to PSW integration, inform best practices, and develop evidence-based guidelines for effectively embedding PSWs in EIP services. Findings will contribute to improving service engagement, recovery outcomes, and quality of care for individuals experiencing first-episode psychosis.
    Significance: This research addresses a critical gap in understanding the organisational and team benefits of peer support within EIP settings, potentially informing policy and practice to enhance mental health service delivery.

  • REC name

    South Central - Oxford B Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    24/SC/0328

  • Date of REC Opinion

    8 Oct 2024

  • REC opinion

    Favourable Opinion