Exploring the Perspectives of Peer Recovery Specialists: Needs for Training, Support, and Professional Development

Area of Science:

• Addiction Medicine
• Healthcare Workforce Development
• Peer Support Services

Background:

• Peer recovery specialists (PRSs) with lived experience are increasingly vital in substance use disorder (SUD) care.
• Limited guidance exists on integrating PRSs into healthcare and supporting their professional growth.
• This study investigates PRS perspectives on training, support, and career development in diverse clinical settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the experiences of PRSs regarding their roles, challenges, and needs within healthcare.
• To identify barriers and facilitators to PRS effectiveness and well-being.
• To inform best practices for integrating and supporting PRSs in the SUD workforce.

Main Methods:

• Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 PRSs in the Philadelphia area.
• Interviews focused on role barriers, facilitators, and unmet needs.
• Thematic content analysis was used to analyze transcribed interview data.

Main Results:

• Participants reported high job satisfaction derived from client success and teamwork but also experienced burnout due to role ambiguity, high caseloads, and secondary trauma.
• Key supportive factors included structured supervision, professional networks, and feeling valued.
• Identified needs included enhanced training, better system navigation support, and clearer career advancement pathways.

Conclusions:

• PRSs are essential but face significant challenges including burnout and inadequate training.
• Structured models for PRS training, supervision, and professional development are necessary.
• Implementing these models can enhance PRS effectiveness within healthcare systems.