2023 Volume 32 Issue 1 Pages 48-56
This study aims to elucidate what peer support workers generally place importance on for the recovery of supported persons involved in community transition support. Participants were seven peer support workers in prefecture A who had undergone peer support worker training related to mental health welfare, and have experience in involvement in community transition support. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed qualitatively and descriptively.
As a result, the following six categories were generated: [trying to become a supporter whom patients feel comfortable to talk to], [building the will power needed to realize achieving the hoped for], [wishing for changes in society], [considering things compassionately and continuing to provide support with a long-term perspective], [supporting diversity in the recovery through collaboration with nurses], [keeping a focus on the importance of mutual support]．
Peer support workers generally place importance on relationships in which people can talk freely, which supports the process of recovery support, and have a compassionate and understanding attitude that supports that relationship. Nurses need to be interested in the way society supports recovery, and continue learning from the experience of peer support workers who have themselves recovered and are ready to support diversity in lifestyles. At the same time, nurses are expected to play a role in helping peer support workers build relationships with supported persons, and in collaborating with both parties to support each other.
