Building Capacity for Community-Engaged Peer-Focused Research: Results From the IRIS Recovery Research Fellowship

Engaging peers and other substance use service providers in research increases the relevance and impact of findings, including ways to further integrate peers into the recovery workforce. Academics also have much to learn about peer recovery by engaging professionals with lived experience in collaborative research. Despite these benefits, there have been few intersectoral, peer-focused initiatives dedicated to building research skills through hands-on scientific inquiry. Grounded in community-based participatory research, the IRIS Recovery Research Fellowship aimed to develop connectedness, commitment to peer workforce integration, trust in research, research skills, and practice-driven studies. Learning sessions and research coaching were provided to a cohort of 17 peers, other agency staff, and academics. Evaluation was conducted using mixed methods. Pre- and post-test surveys measured change over time using paired-sample t-tests. Thematic analysis was used for open-ended responses and Rivers of Life drawings. All fellows completed studies while contributing to a position paper on peer workforce integration. Results indicated statistically significant gains in trust in qualitative research, connectedness, and an array of research skills. The fellowship "drove home the value and necessity of peers," leading to increased advocacy for peers and enhanced studies on peer services. Additional fellowship and related professional development opportunities are needed to build research capacity for peers and other providers, for researchers to ground inquiry in peer recovery, and for interdisciplinary groups to engage in recovery research. These activities will help to ground practice in the evidence base, support employers to effectively integrate peers into the workforce, and strengthen scientific inquiry.