Key considerations in building the organizational capacity to implement peer supports for parents with mental illness

ABSTRACT Objective Peer supports are increasingly common in behavioural health services. The principles of peer support have been elaborated, as have potential outcomes for persons served, peer service providers, and the health care system. Organizational characteristics supporting the implementation of peer supports are less frequently described. The objective of this study was to specify key organizational factors in implementing peer supports for parents with mental illness, filling a gap in existing peer supports and addressing the unmet needs of parents. Method A developmental design and qualitative methods were employed for this exploratory study. Data were obtained in key informant interviews (n = 22) and in Implementation Team meetings (n = 12 participants), conducted between September 2017 and April 2018, regarding organizational considerations for implementing parent peer supports. Conceptual models from implementation science guided study activities and provided a framework for data analysis. Results Emerging themes regarding the organizational context for implementing parent peer supports included: engaging stakeholders to ensure shared understanding of the model; encouraging leadership support; integrating peer supports in the agency context; defining peer characteristics, role, and responsibilities; elaborating nuances of training and supervision; developing relevant agency policies and procedures; and addressing funding and sustainability. Discussion Findings confirm the importance of organizational level assessment in implementing peer supports for parents with mental illness and provide recommendations to build organizational capacity and sustain implementation efforts.