Patients’ views: peer support worker on inpatient wards

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore patients’ experiences of intentional mental health peer support (PS). Design/methodology/approach – Seven in-depth interviews were carried out by an independent researcher with individual inpatients who volunteered via a PS worker following leaflet and poster distribution explaining the research on the two wards. Each recorded interview of 13 questions was transcribed verbatim by the researcher and analysis identified common themes across the interviews. Findings – An overarching theme of communication with patients was identified together with six main themes: person centredness, practical support, building connections, emotional support, modelling hope and recovery interventions. There were no negative comments expressed by interviewees. Research limitations/implications – Small scale qualitative research allows in-depth exploration of experiences which is valuable in informing the further development of PS. Originality/value – There are very few published reports of inpatient experiences of PS in inpatient settings.