Ute Maria Kraemer

Authors: Candelaria Mahlke (UKE University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf), Ute Maria Krämer (MSc. Student King's College London & independent survivor researcher), Reinhold Kilian (University Ulm), Thomas Becker (University Ulm)
Article in German language, published 2015
Journal Nervenheilkunde

Summary - Objective: This article focuses on recent international literature on peer support work in formal mental health services. Material and methods: Recent reviews, meta analyses and a meta synthesis of the effectiveness of peer support for severe mental disorders are introduced. New developments and suggestions will be discussed against the background of peer-led research projects. Conclusions: Peer support is a promising intervention for service users, but also contribute to enhance the recovery-orientation of psychiatric services. Clinical relevance: Formal mental health services in Germany should implement peer-support on a broader level and the acknowledgement of peer-services as reimbursable should be sought.

Authors: Candelaria Mahlke (UKE Medical Center Hamburg) Ute Maria Krämer (King's College London and independent survivor researcher) Thomas Becker (University Ulm), Thomas Bock, UKE Medical Center Hamburg)

Abstract
Purpose of review: Considering international diversity in the implementation of mental health peer support and an increasing research interest in peer support work (PSW), this review focuses on priorities in current research and practice. With grassroots in informal services for people with mental health problems, peer support has been strengthened by the recovery paradigm in mental health policy, and there are steps towards integration in statutory services.
Recent findings: Current issues include benefits of peer support, its efficacy and effectiveness. The value of peer support in formal and informal settings is discussed, and organizational change processes and the challenges in peer support implementation are discussed. Recent studies have identified the need for a clarification of roles, competencies and job structure and for adequate training and supervision. Along with reported benefits for consumer and PSW involvement in care revealed by mixed method studies, destigmatization at the personal and system level is a crucial PSW component.
Summary: Various types of peer support merit further evaluation. Assessing the impact of peer support on service users, peer providers and organizations require complex intervention studies, using mixed methods designs with qualitative exploration of underlying processes and experiences to complement high-quality controlled trials.