Acknowledging Rural Disadvantage in Mental Health: Views of Peer Workers.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this article was to present views and opinions of people employed to work from their personal experience of significant mental health challenges (peer workers). The specific focus was on their capacity to contribute meaningfully to mental health service provision and in rural areas and associated barriers.


METHODS
Grounded Theory was the methodology utilized. In-depth interviews were conducted with peer workers throughout Australia.


RESULTS
Participants described significant barriers to the provision of quality mental health services in rural and regional locations. The two main areas identified were the following: transport and distance, and lack of mental health staff and services.


CONCLUSIONS
The identified barriers place limitations on the capacity of peer workers to maximize effectiveness in rural settings. Peer workers could potentially play an important role in overcoming shortages of staff and services and improving mental health service delivery.
Lecturer in Lived Experience Mental Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Division of Higher Education, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia.
Louise
L
Byrne
Professor of Nursing, Executive Director, SYNERGY: Nursing and Midwifery Research Centre, University of Canberra and ACT Health, Woden, Australia.
Brenda
B
Happell
Professor of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Division of Higher Education, Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia.
Kerry
K
Reid-Searl
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005260:Female; D054625:Healthcare Disparities / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000592:standards*; D010379:Peer Group; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000592:standards*; D012424:Rural Population
Consumer participation; lived experience roles; mental health; mental health nursing; peer workers; regional Australia; rural disadvantage; rural mental health care; staffing shortage