Changes in attitudes of mental health care staff surrounding the implementation of peer support work: A qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The integration of Peer Support Workers (PSWs) in mental health settings may encounter resistance due to the attitudes of Mental Health Workers (MHWs). At the same time, PSWs may initiate changes in the attitudes, as well as in the larger institutional culture. This paper addresses the question of which changes happen and how they occur.

Methods

This work is part of the ImpPeer-Psy5 study, funded by the German Innovation Fund, which examines the nationwide implementation of PSWs in health insurance-funded mental health care. Data were derived from two qualitative sub-studies: QUAL1encompassed 57 problem-centered interviews conducted with PSWs, MHWs working together with PSWs, and service users; QUAL2 consisted of one focus group and five interviews only with MHWs.

SUBMITTER: Ruiz-Perez G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11961008 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature