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
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