A co-design in a regional Australian mental health service: Defining a Scope of Practice for peer workers

ObjectiveTo describe a Scope of Practice for mental health peer workers including values, practice principles and ethical guidelines. Secondly to identify the functions, activities and responsibilities pertaining to peer workers.MethodsA co-design approach was utilized to inform the design of the Scope of Practice. The team provided differing perspectives and consisted of senior peer workers, lived experience project officers and a service development manager. After reviewing existing literature, key concepts were grouped into themes. These domains were discussed, deliberated, defined and refined in the creation of a Scope of Practice.ResultsThe co-design process resulted in five core values: courage; mutuality; humanity; hope, purpose and growing-self; and wisdom. Six principles of practice: engages in companionship - being with; shares experience intentionally; walks beside during challenging situations; optimism for peers; understands individual worldviews and how this may impact others; and engages in collaborative best-practice, mutual learning and continued development. And five foundational and ethical guidelines were developed: personal/professional boundaries; peer worker/clinical boundaries; gifts; duty of care; and confidentiality and transparency.ConclusionThis Scope of Practice framework provides a structure for widespread understanding and acceptance of the role of peer workers within mental health services in Australia. The framework described aims to elevate peer work as a unique professional discipline.