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From Physical Wellness to Cultural Brokering: Unpacking the Roles of Peer Providers in Integrated Health Care Settings

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Abstract

This qualitative study explored peer provider experiences working in newly integrated mental health and primary care pilot programs within a large public mental health system. Nineteen peer providers participated in semistructured interviews that focused on experiences delivering care within integrated teams. Interviews were analyzed using constant comparative methods informed by grounded theory. Findings were organized into three themes that speak to variation in the definition and function of peers; lack of clarity in the peer role; and relating to other providers. Integrated settings need ongoing support to ensure clarity in the peer role and an inclusive work environment.

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Funding

This research was funded by Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award TL1 National Institutes of Health, National Center for Research Resources, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Southern California Clinical and Translational Science Institute, TL1 for Predoctoral Clinical and Translational Training Award (TL1TR000132).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive #0622, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0901, USA

    Elizabeth Siantz

  2. Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, 1149 S. Hill St., 14th Floor, Los Angeles, CA, 90026, USA

    Benjamin Henwood

  3. Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, SSB 302M 2001 N. Soto Street Health Sciences Campus, Los Angeles, USA

    Lourdes Baezcondi-Garbanati

Authors
  1. Elizabeth Siantz
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  2. Benjamin Henwood
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  3. Lourdes Baezcondi-Garbanati
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Correspondence to Elizabeth Siantz.

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Siantz, E., Henwood, B. & Baezcondi-Garbanati, L. From Physical Wellness to Cultural Brokering: Unpacking the Roles of Peer Providers in Integrated Health Care Settings. Community Ment Health J 54, 1127–1135 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-018-0320-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-018-0320-2

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