Evaluation of a peer support specialist led group

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate a Peer Support Specialist (PSS) and NHS practitioner co-produced “Enabling Recovery” group that supports service-users’ recovery whilst providing pathways for appropriate transition from mental health teams.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample included 23 service-users (f=10, m=13) with a range of mental health conditions. The evaluation set out to assess how the attendees experienced the group and the impact of the group on subsequent contact with services. The design involved a content analysis of focus groups and group evaluation forms; an assessment of direct and indirect contacts made in the three months prior, and following, the group; and a record of the number of discharges and referrals made following the group.

Findings

Group content and social contact were rated as most helpful and cognitive demands and paperwork as least helpful. Number of direct and indirect contacts significantly reduced, four attendees were discharged due to improved mental health and 17 began accessing third-sector/community organisations.

Research limitations/implications

Future evaluations could seek feedback from service-users who disengaged from the group and indirect contacts could be broadened to include service initiated contacts.

Practical implications

Findings suggest that PSS and NHS Practitioner co-produced group interventions are effective in reducing service demand and increasing service-user satisfaction.

Originality/value

This paper adds a novel contribution to the PSS literature offering support to the utility of co-produced PSS interventions in an NHS setting.

Citation

Taylor, A., Dorer, G. and Gleeson, K. (2018), "Evaluation of a peer support specialist led group", Mental Health and Social Inclusion, Vol. 22 No. 3, pp. 141-148. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-03-2018-0012