[Peer support in acute outreach psychiatric crisis interventions: results of a qualitative study]

Peer support workers (PSWs) possess personal experiences of psychiatric crises and can support individuals in their mental health recovery. The aim of this study was to examine the involvement of PSWs in acute, outreach psychiatric crisis interventions by the Crisis Intervention Service (CIS) Bremen from the perspective of the involved actors.

As part of the "PeerIntervent" study conducted between April 2023 and April 2024, five semi-structured interviews with three deployed PSWs and two focus groups with nine CIS staff members were conducted. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis according to Kuckartz, employing a category system developed both deductively and inductively. The COREQ checklist was followed.

PSWs reported improved access to patients due to their experiential knowledge. CIS staff were initially skeptical about the use of PSWs in crisis contexts, resulting in PSWs being deployed primarily outside of acute crises, where they were perceived as relieving. Key prerequisites for successful integration in crisis settings were not fully met.

Clear support from team leadership, transparent role definitions, and training and supervision are crucial for successful collaboration in acute crisis interventions. Careful and context-sensitive implementation is necessary. Further research should clarify how greater experience, clear role definitions, and longer onboarding periods could enhance collaboration.