A Case Study of Peer Support Activities in a Hospital: “To Connect with People / To Connect People”

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the activities of Ms. Z, who does peer support work at a hematological malignancy ward at Y hospital. This study focused on Ms. Z's efforts “to connect with people/to connect people.” In addition to fulfilling a role of a peer who attentively listens to mothers of children with cancer, Ms. Z plays an important role in connecting to others who work at ward, as well as connecting these parties with each other. This study also indicated that being a peer has its downsides, and discusses the burdens and risks affiliated with working in a peer support role.