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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2010 Spring;33(4):269-77.
doi: 10.2975/33.4.2010.269.277.

Using organizational change strategies to guide peer support technician implementation in the Veterans Administration

Matthew Chinman  1 , Rebecca Shoai, Amy Cohen
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Using organizational change strategies to guide peer support technician implementation in the Veterans Administration

Matthew Chinman et al. Psychiatr Rehabil J. 2010 Spring.

Abstract

Objective: The Veterans Administration (VA) mental health system is in the process of hiring "Peer Support Technicians" or PSTs-individuals in recovery from serious mental illnesses hired as clinical team members. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate an implementation process that has potential to improve the deployment of the Peer Support Technicians to existing clinical teams within the VA.

Methods: As part of a larger randomized trial called PEers Enhancing Recovery (PEER), research staff collaboratively planned the deployment of PSTs with three case management teams serving those with serious mental illnesses. Clinical staff received significant opportunity to participate in defining the PST role. PEER staff took extensive notes during planning meetings about the discussions held and decisions made about the PST role.

Results: PEER and clinical staff discussed and came to a consensus on several elements that comprise the PST job including goals for employing PSTs, desired characteristics of PSTs, job duties, training to be provided to PSTs, PST access to medical records, supervision, boundaries, confidentiality, how PSTs are to discuss their mental illness with veterans, and a sick leave policy.

Conclusions: It is critical to solicit and use input from team providers and leaders when establishing PST services. This approach using input and solicitation can be a model to implement a wide range of clinical interventions in which existing providers and teams will be asked to do something new.

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References

    1. Chinman M, Hamilton A, Butler B, Knight E, Murray S, Young A. Mental Health Consumer Providers: A Guide for Clinical Staff. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation; 2008. No TR-584.
    1. Chinman M, Lucksted A, Gresen RC, Davis M, Losonczy M, Sussner B, Martone L. Early experiences of employing Consumer Providers in the VA. Psychiatric Services. 2008;59:1315–1321. - PubMed
    1. Chinman M, Young AS, Hassell J, Davidson L. Toward the implementation of mental health consumer provider services. Journal of Behavioral Health Services and Research. 2006;33:176–195. - PubMed
    1. Davidson L, Chinman M, Kloos B, Weingarten R, Stayner DA, Tebes JK. Peer support among individuals with severe mental illness: A review of the evidence. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice. 1999;6:165–187.
    1. Fixsen DL, Naoom SF, Blase KA, Friedman RM, Wallace F. Implementation Research: A Synthesis of the Literature. Tampa, FL: University of South Florida, Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, The National Implementation Research Network (FMHI Publication #231); 2005.

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