Implementation Factors Influencing Peer-Delivered Behavioral Evidence-Based Interventions for Substance Use...

Area of Science:

• Addiction Medicine
• Implementation Science
• Mental Health Services Research

Background:

• Peer recovery specialists (PRS) are integral to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment.
• Expanding PRS roles to include evidence-based interventions (EBIs) is a growing focus.
• Understanding implementation determinants for PRS-delivered EBIs is crucial for optimizing care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors influencing the implementation of behavioral EBIs delivered by PRS.
• To explore strategies for optimizing the delivery of these interventions in SUD treatment settings.
• To synthesize current literature on the implementation of PRS-delivered behavioral EBIs.

Main Methods:

• A systematic scoping review following PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
• Searches across major databases (PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar).
• Thematic synthesis of data from 12 included studies on PRS delivering behavioral EBIs for SUD.

Main Results:

• PRS-delivered behavioral EBIs show high acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, engagement, and satisfaction.
• Key facilitators include PRS integration, intervention adaptability, and PRS relatability.
• Barriers include role ambiguity, training gaps, funding limitations, and systemic challenges.

Conclusions:

• PRS-delivered behavioral EBIs show promise for expanding access to evidence-based SUD care.
• Structured training, supervision, and organizational support are critical for successful implementation.
• Future research should focus on sustainability, supervision, and addressing systemic barriers to maximize impact.