A multi-national peer support intervention: the UPSIDES pilot phase

Objective Using Peer Support in Developing Empowering Mental Health Services (UPSIDES) is evaluating implementation of a peer support worker (PSW) intervention at six recruiting sites (Germany, India, Israel, Tanzania, and Uganda) (ISRCTN26008944). The aim this study to evaluate the pre-trial pilot phase.Method initial training prepare individuals for PSW role (PS) was evaluated using multi-method design comprising focus groups (FG; n = 22) questionnaires capturing perspectives service users, PSWs, trainers, mental health staff members (n 21).Results Findings were organised across eleven key themes: organisational culture, training, definition, willingness ability work with resource availability, financial arrangements, well-being, access network, acceptance, preparation, other challenges.Discussion following recommendations are made, based on phase: PS should train practical skills role-playing exercises; PSWs teams, including reflection colleagues (intervision) or highly experienced coach (supervision); necessary resources tools networking be provided; continuous awareness-raising about needed.