Using Peer Support in Developing Empowering Mental Health Services (UPSIDES): Background, Rationale and Methodology.

Area of Science:

• Global Mental Health
• Implementation Science
• Health Systems Strengthening

Background:

• A significant gap exists in mental health care, particularly for severe mental illness in low- and middle-income countries.
• Shortages in mental health professionals worldwide exacerbate this care gap.
• People with lived experience of mental illness (peers) represent an underutilized resource for support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the rationale and methodology of an international multicentre study to scale up peer support for severe mental illness.
• To address the global mental health care gap by integrating peer support into health systems.
• To conduct mixed-methods implementation research across diverse global settings.

Main Methods:

• The UPSIDES study is an international collaboration involving eight sites across six countries in Europe, Africa, and Asia.
• Qualitative studies and systematic reviews will explore stakeholder perceptions and the current state of peer support.
• Findings will inform the development and piloting of a culturally appropriate peer support intervention, with materials translated for global use.

Main Results:

• The study is designed to leverage the expertise of peers to strengthen mental health systems.
• It aims to empower service users and embed patient-centered, recovery-oriented, human rights-based approaches.
• Capacity-building of peers is expected to be particularly valuable in resource-limited settings.

Conclusions:

• Peer support offers a scalable solution to address the global mental health care gap.
• The UPSIDES study will provide a framework for culturally adapted peer support interventions.
• Empowering peers strengthens mental health systems and promotes patient-centered care worldwide.