Synthetic social support: Theorizing lay health worker interventions

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sociology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Social support significantly impacts health outcomes and inequalities.
• Lay health workers (LHWs) are increasingly used to promote health in disadvantaged communities.
• The theoretical underpinnings of LHW interventions require further exploration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and define the concept of 'synthetic social support' (SSS).
• To differentiate SSS from professional and spontaneous social support.
• To provide empirical data illustrating the nature and benefits of SSS provided by LHWs.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative, observational research using a novel shadowing method.
• Involved clinical and non-clinical researchers observing 'pregnancy outreach workers' (POWs) in Birmingham, UK.
• The POW service was part of a randomized controlled trial evaluation.

Main Results:

• LHWs provided instrumental, informational, emotional, and appraisal support.
• This support was 'synthetic' due to its non-reciprocal, time-limited, accountable, and targeted nature.
• SSS may enhance opportunities for new social ties and offer reliable health information.

Conclusions:

• The concept of synthetic social support offers a framework for understanding LHW interventions.
• SSS may offer unique benefits over spontaneous social networks for health promotion.
• This framework can inform policy, program theory, and evaluation of LHW initiatives.