Preparing the implementation of peer support work in FACT: Exploring perspectives of managers

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to understand the point of departure for peer support workers in an organization new to working alongside with peer support workers as equal colleagues. The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of Flexible Assertive Community Treatment managers on preparation and employment of peer support workers, and how from a manager’s perspective, the non-peer professionals were prepared to work alongside with peer support workers. Methods This qualitative study was based on semi-structured interviews with all Flexible Assertive Community Treatment managers (n = 5) in the community mental health care in the North Denmark Region. The analysis was conducted with an inductive approach to content analysis. Findings The study revealed three themes: 1) An exploratory but energy loaded process - deciding to implement Flexible Assertive Community Treatment and employ peer support workers, 2) Paving the road while walking - preparing employment of peer support workers, and 3) Uncertainty about the “how” and the “what” – preparing non-peer professionals for collaborating with peer support workers. The themes suggest an exploratory and unstructured implementation process. Conclusion Our findings reveal that lack of structure and specific activities during implementation may compromise staff wellbeing, expressed as feeling insecure about own professional role, and lacking the sense of readiness to embrace peer support workers as colleagues. Applying an implementation framework and addressing the literature on barriers and facilitators may help limit the barriers towards employment of peer support workers and may promote successful implementation.