title: Peer Support Workers in Health: A Qualitative Metasynthesis of Their Experiences.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Peer support models, where an individual has a specific illness or lifestyle experience and supports others experiencing similar challenges, have frequently been used in different fields of healthcare to successfully engage hard-to-reach groups. Despite recognition of their value, the impact of these roles on the peer has not been systematically assessed. By synthesising the qualitative literature we sought to review such an impact, providing a foundation for designing future clinical peer models.
  
  
  METHODS
  Systematic review and qualitative metasynthesis of studies found in Medline, CINAHL or Scopus documenting peer worker experiences.
  
  
  RESULTS
  1,528 papers were found, with 34 meeting the criteria of this study. Findings were synthesised to reveal core constructs of reframing identity through reciprocal relations and the therapeutic use of self, enhancing responsibility.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The ability of the Peer Support Worker to actively engage with other marginalised or excluded individuals based on their unique insight into their own experience supports a therapeutic model of care based on appropriately sharing their story. Our findings have key implications for maximising the effectiveness of Peer Support Workers and in contributing their perspective to the development of a therapeutic model of care.
authors.affiliation: University College London, Research Department of Infection and Population Health, 4th floor Mortimer Market, off Capper Street, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: MacLellan
authors.affiliation: University College London, Research Department of Infection and Population Health, 4th floor Mortimer Market, off Capper Street, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Julian
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Surey
authors.affiliation: University College London, Research Department of Infection and Population Health, 4th floor Mortimer Market, off Capper Street, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Ibrahim
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Abubakar
authors.affiliation: University College London, Research Department of Infection and Population Health, 4th floor Mortimer Market, off Capper Street, London, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Helen R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Stagg
mesh_terms: D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D004651:Employment; D006801:Humans; D010379:Peer Group; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012657:Self-Help Groups / Q000592:standards*