Evaluation of Lived Experience Peer Support Intervention for Mental Health Service Consumers in Primary Care

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.