Mapping Collaborative Practices Between Occupational Therapists and Peer Supporters in Mental Health: A Scoping...

Area of Science:

• Mental Health Services Research
• Occupational Therapy
• Peer Support

Background:

• Occupational therapists and peer supporters share recovery-oriented values and increasingly collaborate in mental health settings.
• The structure and implementation of this collaboration remain unclear, necessitating further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To map the literature on collaborative practices between occupational therapists and peer supporters in mental health.
• Focusing on the structures, roles, perceived benefits, and challenges of these collaborations.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted across multiple databases (PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE, CINAHL, ProQuest).
• The review followed the Arksey and O'Malley (2005) methodological framework, using a Participants, Concept, and Context approach.
• Included studies involved individuals with mental health conditions, described collaborative efforts between occupational therapists and peer supporters in mental health settings.

Main Results:

• Eleven studies published between 2001 and 2023 were included, identifying three collaboration models: cofacilitated, peer supporter-led with occupational therapist support, and occupational therapist-led with peer supporter involvement.
• Occupational therapists provided clinical expertise, while peer supporters offered lived experience and emotional support, leading to improved occupational engagement and quality of life.
• Key challenges identified included role ambiguity, boundary issues, and insufficient organizational support.

Conclusions:

• Occupational therapists are crucial in enabling peer supporters to utilize their experiential knowledge within recovery-oriented practice.
• Clarifying roles, fostering mutual understanding, and establishing supportive organizational structures are essential for effective collaboration.
• Enhanced understanding of these partnerships can improve the delivery of recovery-oriented mental health services.