Project Evaluation
To evaluate the 2020 ABUHB peer mentor project a co-produced evaluation strategy was developed with initial findings presented below:
Clinical Measures
To measure subjective recovery and well-being, the Recovery in Quality-of-Life Measure (ReQoL) and Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS) were used. From the data we collated, scores indicated reliable improvement; Service users reported a 43% increase in feelings of subjective recovery and 32% increase in feelings of well-being whilst Peer Mentors reported a 33% increase in feelings of subjective recovery and 22% increase in feelings of well-being.
Concerning well-being, these changes are clinically significant. Peer Mentors mean scores have increased to being within the top 15% of the general population while Service Users mean scores have increased above the cut-off for the bottom 15% of the general population. The statistical significance of these changes is yet to be determined.
Figure 2: Mean scores for Service Users & Peer Mentors.
Qualitative Data
Qualitative data was gathered using semi-structured interviews with staff, peer mentors and service users, which were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Initial findings suggest:
- Service users value the shared experience and knowledge of peers and reflected the life changing impact of the experience.
- Peer mentors have benefited from the project, finding a sense of purpose and increased confidence.
- Staff have also valued the role, feeling that peers offer a different perspective to that of the team.
|
“I don’t think I would be here if it wasn’t for the intervention. I owe my life to them’ - Service User |
|
‘It’s changed my entire life, ‘cause since I had my diagnosis I have not only found a job I love, I’ve got more insight, I feel more confident in myself, that there’s things that I can do to better myself and I actually feel like I have a purpose now…' Peer Mentor |
|
‘…it just brings home what strengths and skills so many people have…Obviously there are unique challenges that people have as well and I think having a peer mentor in the team kind of brings that home really, you know you’ve got somebody here who you know finds some things incredibly difficult…but you know in actual fact wow, look at the strengths and skills you’ve got that none of us have got and it just brings it home, how valuable you are as a person in the team and to reflect that ideology with other people accessing the service…’ Staff member |
What did we learn?
Enabling people to be their authentic selves at work can be transformative, however, we learned that change is experienced differently. There was key learning around supporting this process more effectively e.g., ensuring time to nurture a culture of innovation.
Learning from ABUHB Peer Support Project
- ‘Do it, it’s life changing’ – Becky, Peer Mentor Development Worker
- ‘It is such a rewarding job and makes such a difference to service users’ – Hev, Peer Mentor Development Worker
- ‘It’s a transformative experience’ - Jen, Peer Mentor Team Lead
- ‘It takes time - don’t rush it!’ – Jess, Peer Mentor Development Lead
- ‘Trusted allies, with compassion and the experience to support your team and your service’ - Mel, Deputy Directorate Manager Adult MH & Specialist Services
What will we do next?
There are Peer Mentors in 56% of ABUHB Adult Mental Health teams. Given the pressing need for a sustainable workforce as demand for healthcare grows, we aim to have Peer Mentors embedded within every service. We hope that every person accessing Health Board services can one day have the option to work with a Peer Mentor.