Implementation Challenges and Recommendations for Employing Peer Support Workers in Emergency Departments to Support Patients Presenting after an Opioid-Related Overdose

Annette S. Crisanti, Jennifer Earheart, Megan Deissinger, Kathryn Lowerre and Julie G. Salvador
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Annette S. Crisanti: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
Jennifer Earheart: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
Megan Deissinger: Epidemiology and Response Division, New Mexico Department of Health, Santa Fe, NM 87505, USA
Kathryn Lowerre: Epidemiology and Response Division, New Mexico Department of Health, Santa Fe, NM 87505, USA
Julie G. Salvador: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 9, 1-13

Abstract: The placement of a peer support workers (PSWs) in emergency departments (ED) is a promising practice for supporting persons with opioid use disorder who are presenting with an overdose or related medical condition. However, this practice is underutilized. The objective of this study was to identify the challenges of employing PSWs in the ED and provide a checklist to increase the likelihood of their successful integration and retention in this environment. Qualitative methods were used to collect data from nineteen key stakeholders who worked in hospital settings. Using a social-ecological model, themes were identified at the system, hospital, and individual levels. To support integration of PSWs and buy in for the ED team, our findings indicate a need for a planning phase that includes collaboration between leadership, ED staff, and PSWs. Specifically, planning should address four areas: (1) hiring a PSW that is a good fit for the fast-paced ED setting, (2) education of ED staff on the value and role of PSWs, (3) establishing workflow protocols, and (4) providing PSWs with training and appropriate supervision.

Keywords: peer support workers; opioid use disorder; emergency departments (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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