• Catherine Brasier, Helena Roennfeldt, Bridget Hamilton, Andrew Martel, Nicole Hill, Anthony Stratford, Sally Buchanan-Hagen, Louise Byrne, David Castle, Nadine Cocks, Larry Davidson, and Lisa Brophy.
• Social Work and Social Policy, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
• Emerg Med Australas. 2022 Feb 1; 34 (1): 78-84.

ObjectiveThis study explored the benefits and limitations of employing peer support workers, who utilise their own lived experience of mental distress and recovery, to support people experiencing mental distress who are attending the ED.MethodsThis co-produced qualitative study utilised four phases: (i) assemble a collaborative multi-disciplinary research team and Expert Panel, of which at least half identified as having lived experience; (ii) a site visit to an ED; (iii) focus groups with consumers, support persons and ED staff; and (iv) a learning workshop for peer workers.ResultsFocus groups were run for consumers (n = 7), support persons (n = 5) and ED staff (n = 7). Eleven consumer peer workers participated in the learning workshop. Four themes were identified and triangulated: the individual in distress, peer support work, a 'Peers in EDs' service and the ED context. Overall, findings suggest that peer support workers contribute important skills including listening, de-escalation, relationship-building and empathy.ConclusionsThis study identified that peer support workers would bring important skills to an ED (e.g. empathetic support, de-escalation). However, significant workforce and organisational support would be required.© 2021 Australasian College for Emergency Medicine.

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