Integration of a peer practitioner in a hospital unit for patients with psychotic disorders: an exploratory qualitative study

Pierre Lequin; Caroline Suter; Roxane Mazallon; Rachèle Brodard; Lilith Abrahamyan Empson; Bruno Robalo; Philippe Conus; Alexandra Nguyen; Jérôme Favrod

doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1244433

Integration of a peer practitioner in a hospital unit for patients with psychotic disorders: an exploratory qualitative study

Front Psychiatry. 2023 Sep 26:14:1244433. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1244433. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Pierre Lequin^{1

2}, Caroline Suter¹, Roxane Mazallon², Rachèle Brodard², Lilith Abrahamyan Empson², Bruno Robalo², Philippe Conus², Alexandra Nguyen¹, Jérôme Favrod¹

Affiliations

¹ School of Nursing La Source, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland (HES-SO), Delémont, Switzerland.
² Department of Psychiatry, Service of General Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.

Abstract

Introduction: Studies on the integration of peer mental health practitioners (PMHP) in hospitals are sparse, despite significant benefits being reported for patients and professionals. The integration of PMHP requires the consideration of several parameters and a change in the culture of care. This study aims to understand the impact of the integration of a PMHP in a hospital unit caring for patients with psychiatric disorders.

Methods: A qualitative content analysis of three focus groups with the interdisciplinarity team were conducted. A consulting PMHP was integrated into the entire research process.

Results: Data analysis revealed five main themes: the importance of integration, benefits for patients linked to the identification process, benefits for the team and institution, potentials risks, and perspectives.

Discussion: The study was conducted in a hospital setting with patients suffering from severe psychiatric disorders associated with behavioral disturbances. The benefits reported in the results outline the feasibility of PMHP integration in an acute psychiatric care setting. Nevertheless, further formalization of the PMHP role is required to minimize possible areas of tension between respective fields of activity of each professional.

Keywords: collaboration; peer practitioner; psychiatric hospital; qualitative study; recovery; workplace integration.