Five Reasons to Read At Least Some Research About Peer Support and Peer Support Specialists (Part 1 of 2)
I used to think that research was done by very smart people in white coats who had no knowledge about, or understanding of real life. I had no interest in reading research papers because I thought they had nothing practical or useful to say about me or my work. That was long ago, and I’m embarrassed by how wrong I was (ah, the ignorance and confidence of my younger self!).
Over the years, my work has forced me to be involved in research, to read research papers and to talk to researchers. At first, it was difficult for me to get used to research language, but with a little time and perseverance, I found it easier to understand. With practice, I was surprised by how easy it became to find very practical research that had a lot to do with my daily work…. research that told me how to do my job in a way that helped my clients or that supported my own views on how to best do my job. I also found that when I wanted my supervisor or other people in leadership to give me permission to do something new, if I could show them a research paper that supported my request, I was much more likely to get their backing.
For some of you, this may be a hard sell. Possibly you hold some of the same views that I had in the past. Possibly you had negative experiences reading research in school. Maybe you’ve had some negative experiences with researchers. Perhaps you’ve tried to read research papers and found them hard to understand. I want to ask you to take a second look at this and see if you might find some real value in research.
First of all, know that researchers have become very interested in your work, and in peer support in its many forms. There are thousands of researchers who are paid to find ways to improve healthcare, and it is clear that they have become aware of the powerful potential of Peer Support Specialists to improve healthcare outcomes. In the year 2000, only three published research studies focused specifically on Peer Support Specialists. By 2010 there were thirty-five published studies, and by 2024 there were over three hundred. Most of these studies focus on documenting the benefits of peer support services or the development of new interventions that include, or focus on, the work of Peer Support Specialists.
I am not suggesting that you read the hundreds of research papers about your work, but rather that you start to get exposure to some of those research papers, and become more comfortable with this type of information. With greater comfort, you are very likely to find articles that you can use. For those who are still skeptical, consider the following reasons:
1. Research can help you will learn about your role. The role of peer support is still unclear, at least to many clinicians and programs. Researchers appear much more convinced of the value of Peer Support Specialists and peer support, than are clinicians and healthcare administrators, who often don’t know enough about these roles. Researchers have documented activities that Peer Support Specialists do that improve the health and recovery of clients. Some of those activities you are already doing, but I would wager that some you are not.
2. You will learn about clever new ways that Peer Support Specialists are being used – opportunities for you to do new work. Many of the published research studies shine a spotlight on a new innovative service that Peer Support Specialists are doing, and provide evidence of how this benefits clients and/or the healthcare system.
3. You will feel more positively about the value and impact of your role. You and I know that Peer Support Specialists can have a very positive impact on clients. Other staff may not be so convinced. Research data provide clear evidence that what you are doing has big benefits, and that Peer Support Specialists are part of the solution to key problems in healthcare.
4. You will get information you can use to persuade co-workers, supervisors and program administrators to improve the way you and other Peer Support Specialists are used. Researchers are studying how Peers are being utilized, how the work impacts Peers, what practices lower or raise morale, and what type of supervision is most helpful. Research articles are wonderful tools for persuading other people to change your work. My supervisor or colleagues may listen to my ideas, but if I can show them an article that documents that my views are true, they are much more likely to agree with me and to change something. You want to use this powerful tool to persuade those around you to take action.
5. You will be more likely to see your work in a new way, opening your eyes to possibilities that even the researchers have not seen yet. Researchers are always asking questions about what could be possible. “How can we change healthcare to improve recovery rates? How can we prevent or reduce the damage caused by mental illnesses?” The more I think in terms of questions, the more likely I am to find new solutions…. Reading research will help you focus on asking the right questions and finding practical solutions. Peer Support Specialists are great at bringing fresh eyes into healthcare and social service systems. Your perspective is typically quite new and fresh. Reading research will help keep you asking the right questions and to be even better at finding solutions.
NOTE: The next installment of this blog will document strategies for getting more comfortable with research.