title: Qualitative evaluation of a community peer support service for people with spinal cord injury.
abstract: METHODS
  Qualitative study involving individual semistructured in-depth interviews.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate peer support provided in general hospitals for people with spinal cord injuries (SCIs).
  
  
  METHODS
  The South West of the United Kingdom.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fourteen in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with people with SCI and their close relatives, and with health-care professionals involved in their care. Transcribed interviews were coded inductively and analysed thematically. Themes were patterned around positive and less positive aspects of the experience of the peer support service.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The psychological and emotional support provided by the peer support officer was highly valued by the participants. The peer support officer's direct experience of living with a spinal injury gave credibility to the practical advice, information and signposting provided; as well as to the empathy demonstrated by them during their involvement with people with SCI and their families. Health-care professionals appreciated their unique perspective and considered them as a valuable member of the multidisciplinary team.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Peer support is valued by the people affected by SCI. There is a need to further investigate the key aspects of the service, including the optimal timing for introducing this peer support as well as more formal training of mentors.
authors.affiliation: School of Health Professions, Plymouth University, Plymouth, UK. bhaas@plymouth.ac.uk
authors.forename: B M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Haas
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Price
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Freeman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010379:Peer Group; D036301:Qualitative Research; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012946:Social Welfare; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology*; D006113:United Kingdom