Peer Support Workers in Health: A Qualitative Metasynthesis of Their Experiences.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Peer support models, where an individual has a specific illness or lifestyle experience and supports others experiencing similar challenges, have frequently been used in different fields of healthcare to successfully engage hard-to-reach groups. Despite recognition of their value, the impact of these roles on the peer has not been systematically assessed. By synthesising the qualitative literature we sought to review such an impact, providing a foundation for designing future clinical peer models.

Methods

Systematic review and qualitative metasynthesis of studies found in Medline, CINAHL or Scopus documenting peer worker experiences.

Results

1,528 papers were found, with 34 meeting the criteria of this study. Findings were synthesised to reveal core construc

SUBMITTER: MacLellan J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4627791 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature