Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-tf8b9 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-02T21:15:33.187Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

People with dementia as peer workers, challenges, and benefits: a thematic analysis and nominal groups study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2017

Joshua Stott ,
Joanne Marie Sweeney ,
Luke Koschalka ,
Luke O'Connor  and
Amanda Mwale
Joshua Stott*
Affiliation:
Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, Gower Street WC1E 6BT, London, UK
Joanne Marie Sweeney
Affiliation:
Division of Psychology and Language Science, University College London, London, UK
Luke Koschalka
Affiliation:
INC Research, 2 Meadows Business Park, Station Approach, Blackwater, GU17 9AB, Camberley, UK
Luke O'Connor
Affiliation:
Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
Amanda Mwale
Affiliation:
Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, Gower Street WC1E 6BT, London, UK
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Joshua Stott, Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, Gower Street WC1E 6BT, UK. Phone: +44 (0)20 7679 5950 Email: [email protected].
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

Background:

There are national initiatives to involve service users in service delivery. However, programs employing people with dementia as peer support workers (PSWs) in memory services are in their infancy. This study is the first to explore the challenges and benefits to staff and peers involved in such a program.

Methods:

Focus groups, structured based on nominal groups (NG) methodology were run with PSWs and clinical staff from two memory services. In total, there were 12 participants, with three focus groups: PSWs alone (n = 3); staff members alone (n = 6); and PSWs and staff members combined (n = 6). Data were analyzed through thematic analysis of recorded session content and the ranking of themes inherent in an NG approach.

Results:

Perceived benefits of the PSW program were similar for staff and PSWs and included personal benefits for PSWS and stereotype reduction for staff. More challenges were reported by staff than PSWs, but both groups agreed that role definition and dealing with the cognitive deterioration inherent in dementia were key issues.

Conclusions:

The PSW program does have benefits for involved staff and PSWs. However, the challenges identified highlight the need for careful and consensual setup and consideration of power dynamics, with agreed roles and clear guidelines to deal with cognitive deterioration.

Keywords

dementiamemory clinicsqualitative researchquality of life
Type
Research Article
Information
International Psychogeriatrics , Volume 29 , Issue 7 , July 2017 , pp. 1185 - 1192
Copyright
Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2017 

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Braun, V. and Clarke, C. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3, 77–101.Google Scholar
Clare, L., Rowlands, J. and Quin, R. (2008). Collective strength: the impact of developing a shared social identity in early-stage dementia. Dementia, 7, 9–30.Google Scholar
Corrigan, P. W. (2006). Impact of consumer-operated services on empowerment and recovery of people with psychiatric disabilities. Psychiatric Services, 57, 1493–1496.Google Scholar
Delbecq, A. L. and Van De Ven, A. H. (1971). A group process model for problem identification and program planning. Journal of Applied Behavioural Science, 7, 36–44.Google Scholar
Dening, K. H., Jones, L. and Sampson, E. L. (2012). Preferences for end-of-life care: a nominal group study of people with dementia and their family carers. Palliative Medicine, 27, 409–417.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Dixon, L., Hackman, A. and Lehman, A. (1997). Consumers as staff in assertive community treatment programs. Administration and Policy in Mental Health, 25, 199–208.Google Scholar
Forchuk, C., Martin, M. L., Chan, Y. C. L. and Jensen, E. (2005). Therapeutic relationships: from psychiatric hospital to community. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 12, 556–564.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Gates, L. B. and Akabas, S. H. (2007). Developing strategies to integrate peer providers into the staff of mental health agencies. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 34, 293–306.Google Scholar
Goncalo, J. A., Chatman, J. A., Duguid, M. M. and Kennedy, J. A. (2015). Creativity from constraint? how the political correctness norm influences creativity in mixed-sex work groups. Administrative Science Quarterly, 60, 1–30.Google Scholar
Kaiser, C. R. and Miller, C. T. (2003). Derogating the victim: the interpersonal consequences of blaming events on discrimination. Group Processes & Intergroup Relations, 6, 227–237.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Keyes, S. et al. (2016). “We're all thrown in the same boat. . .”: a qualitative analysis of peer support in dementia care. Dementia, 15, 560–577.Google Scholar
Mak, W. W., Poon, C. Y., Pun, L. Y. and Cheung, S. F. (2007). Meta-analysis of stigma and mental health. Social Science and Medicine, 65, 245–261.Google Scholar
Milne, A. (2010). The ‘D'word: reflections on the relationship between stigma, discrimination and dementia. Journal of Mental Health, 19, 227–233.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Mowbray, C. T., Moxley, D. P. and Collins, M. E. (1998). Consumer as mental health providers: first person accounts of benefits and limitations. The Journal of Behavioural Health Services & Research, 25, 397–411.Google Scholar
Mowbray, C. et al. (1996). Consumers as community support providers: issues created by role innovation. Community Mental Health Journal, 32, 47–67.Google Scholar
Prince, M., Bryce, R. and Ferri, C. (2011). World Alzheimer Report 2011: The benefits of early diagnosis and intervention, London: Alzheimer's Disease International.Google Scholar
Repper, J. and Carter, T. (2011). A review of the literature on peer support in mental health services. Journal of Mental Health, 20, 392–411.Google Scholar
Resnick, S. G. and Rosenheck, R. A. (2008). Integrating peer-provided services: a quasi-experimental study of recovery orientation, confidence, and empowerment. Psychiatric Services, 59, 1307–1317.Google Scholar
Van De Ven, A. H. and Delbecq, A. L. (1972). The nominal group as a research instrument for exploratory health studies. American Journal of Public Health, 62, 337–342.Google Scholar
Wright, S. L. and Persad, C. (2007). Distinguishing between depression and dementia in older persons: neuropsychological and neuropathological correlates. Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology, 20, 189–198.Google Scholar
Yuen, M. and Fossey, E. (2003). Working in a community recreation program: a study of consumer-staff perspectives. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 50, 54–63.Google Scholar