A systematic scoping review of peer support interventions in integrated primary youth mental health care

Abstract

Peer support, defined as the social and emotional support offered and received by individuals with a shared experience of mental health difficulties, is gaining popularity in youth mental health settings. This systematic scoping review aimed to collate and synthesise the evidence on key aspects of peer support interventions within integrated youth services and educational settings. Specifically, it synthesised evidence on the (1) assessed mental health outcomes in peer support interventions, (2) key characteristics and associated roles of peer support workers (PSWs) and (3) barriers and facilitators to implementation. A search of peer reviewed articles from January 2005 to June 2022 across five electronic databases (PsychINFO, Pubmed, Scopus, ERIC and CINAHL) was conducted. A total of 15 studies retrieved in the search met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. This review supports previous research indicating that peer support has potential for improving recovery related outcomes. While a variety of interventions and PSW roles were reported, studies could be strengthened by providing more in-depth information on intervention content. Examples of barriers to implementation included staff concerns around confidentiality of peer support relationships as well as PSWs' confidence in their roles. Facilitators included positive support from staff members and role clarity.