Integrating peer support across the continuum of trauma care: Trauma survivor, caregiver and healthcare provider perspectives and recommendations

Background

Recovery from a traumatic injury is a complex process that precipitates difficulties and isolation for survivors. Peers can provide valuable psychosocial support rooted in lived experience. The savings associated with peer support largely outweigh the costs. Despite this, research has yet to explore the ideal components of a cross-continuum peer support program or the factors that might impact its delivery.

Objectives

Understand the barriers/facilitators to integrating peer support across the continuum of care; and (2) Identify recommendations for the design and delivery of a cross-continuum peer support program.

Methods

Qualitative descriptive approach. Interviews were conducted with trauma survivors (n = 16), caregivers (n = 4), and healthcare providers (HCPs) (n = 16). We employed an inductive thematic analysis to identify barriers and facilitators. We also conducted a deductive analysis using a framework for peer support interventions in physical medicine and rehabilitation to identify what should be included in a cross-continuum peer support program.

Results

Barriers and facilitators included: (1) individual-level issues, (2) the physical and social environment, (3) clinical practice considerations, (4) finance and resourcing, and (5) organization/system issues. Peer support programming should be introduced early in recovery and continue into community living. Peer support programming should be offered flexibly (virtually or in-person) and provide: (1) education, (2) empowerment; and (3) social support. Participants agreed that a person with lived experience should be trained and centrally involved.

Conclusions

When designing peer support programming, we must consider who would benefit from support, what support should consist of, and ideal timing and mode of support delivery.