Development and Piloting of a Scalable Training for Peer Recovery Specialists in an Evidence-Based Substance Use...

Area of Science:

• Substance Use Disorder Treatment
• Behavioral Health Interventions
• Health Equity

Background:

• Individuals from minoritized and under-resourced communities face significant barriers to accessing specialized substance use disorder services.
• Peer recovery specialists (PRSs) show potential for improving service access, particularly in low-resource settings.
• Historically, PRSs have not been trained in delivering evidence-based interventions (EBIs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To co-develop and disseminate a behavioral activation (BA) training program for PRSs.
• To evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of BA training and delivery by PRSs.
• To inform the large-scale implementation of PRSs delivering EBIs.

Main Methods:

• Co-development of a BA training program involving PRSs and treatment providers.
• Pilot testing with five PRSs, incorporating qualitative feedback for revision.
• Dissemination of the revised training to 168 PRSs, followed by implementation outcome assessments.
• A six-month follow-up survey to evaluate continued use and perceptions of BA.

Main Results:

• Qualitative feedback indicated BA is feasible and appropriate for PRS delivery, highlighting needs for supervision and experiential learning.
• The revised training was found to be feasible, appropriate, and acceptable by 168 PRSs.
• Follow-up data suggested continued use of BA skills, with PRSs perceiving it as a good role fit and feasible in their work.

Conclusions:

• Peer recovery specialists can be effectively trained on a large scale to deliver behavioral activation, an EBI.
• This model holds significant potential for increasing access to substance use disorder treatment for underserved populations.
• Modifications tailored to the unique needs of the PRS workforce are crucial for successful large-scale implementation.