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. 2022 Apr 26;19(9):5276.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph19095276.

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

Annette S Crisanti  1 , Jennifer Earheart  1 , Megan Deissinger  2 , Kathryn Lowerre  2 , Julie G Salvador  1
Affiliations

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

Annette S Crisanti et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. .

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: emergency departments; opioid use disorder; peer support workers.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Implementation challenges identified by key stakeholders in employing peer support workers (PSWs) in the emergency department to help care for patients that present after an opioid-related overdose.
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