What do we know about one-to-one peer support for adults with a burn injury? A scoping review

The purpose of this study was to conduct a broad examination of the central themes and concepts associated with one-to-one peer support for adult patients with a burn injury. The aim of the synthesis was to examine 1) what is reported in the literature regarding the impact of peer support for patients or peers and 2) what methods or elements were considered important with regard to the program design and structure. The synthesis undertaken for this study followed scoping review methodology. A systematic search of the literature was undertaken to identify articles of relevance. Four databases were searched: MEDLINE (medicine), Embase (medicine), PsychINFO (psychology), and SWAbstracts (social work). Information pertaining to program design and structure, recruitment and screening requirements, and perceived benefits and risks associated with peer support were extracted from the included articles. Nine key themes pertaining to program design and structure, and 10 key themes relating to the impact of peer support for patients or peers were identified and discussed. One-to-one peer support for adults with burns trauma has the potential to be a unique support option with earnest attributes. The preliminary data representing the effects of peer support for adults with a burn injury as presented in this literature review shows an emerging pattern of benefit for givers and receivers of peer support. Further work is needed in this field and recommendations are made for future studies.