Evaluation of Lived Experience Peer Support Intervention for Mental Health Service Consumers in Primary Care
Prof Sharon Lawn
264 participants
Nov 9, 2023
Interventional
Conditions
Summary
Peer Workers have lived experience of mental ill-health and are intentionally employed to support individuals with mental ill-health as well as their family and carers. These Peer Workers are inaccessible to many in need, especially for those whose main or only support is through general practice. Our aim is to trial the implementation of a co-designed lived experience peer support intervention for mental health consumers in primary care.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria1
- A consumer is eligible to participate if they are 18 years of age or older, have a diagnosis of a mental health condition (or present with symptoms indicating the likelihood of a mental health condition), attend participating practices, willing to give informed consent to participate in the study and not already receiving peer support through an alternative funded programme will be eligibile for participation.
Exclusion Criteria1
- A consumer will be excluded if they have a significant mental or physical illness likely to disrupt capacity to participate in the trial (as measured by GP assessment of current suicidality risk and/or K10 cut of score of >40/50). Consumers who are unable to speak English and those unable to provide informed consent will also be excluded.
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Interventions
One-to-one peer support for mental healthcare consumers in primary care, delivered by lived experience peer workers. Depending on the needs of the individual, peer workers often provide support similar to an informal carer while using their personal experience and knowledge. however they also use their personal experience and knowledge in their support. They can provide information, a listening ear, company, and act as an advocate on the individual's behalf. Few resources are involved beyond the tools that peer workers use in the usual course of their employment (e.g., laptop computer, mobile phone etc.). All participants will have access to 12 hours of support over a period three to four months, Some might use all 12 hours in the first month. Others might spread their time out across the given period (i.e., weekly or twice weekly). There is no set interval and this will vary based on preferences/needs. Face-to-face consultation will be prioritised. However, because the clinics are rural while the Community Managed Organisations (CMOs) are not, some flexibility is expected. Where it is not possible for a peer worker to travel to the participant, telehealth (videocalling) will be used. (For example, if a participant requests an immediate or next-day appointment.) Clinics will provide quiet consult rooms and make technology available to participants to ensure they have access. Monitoring of adherence will be conducted through the peer worker. Where participants are not attending appointments (beyond the norm), the peer worker will contact their peer coordinator. There will also be constant communication between the project officer, peer worker coordinator, and practice staff to monitor adherence. Adherence will be monitored alongside potential for adverse events.
Locations(1)
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ACTRN12623001189617