Key Considerations in Integrating a Peer Support Model Within Psychiatric Emergency Services at a Canadian Pediatric Emergency Department: A Qualitative Study

Difficulties accessing primary care and community-based mental health supports has contributed to youth (aged < 18 years) with mental health concerns presenting to Emergency Departments (EDs). Peer support services in community-based mental health settings are associated with improved outcomes; research exploring this in pediatric EDs is lacking. Determine feasibility and acceptability of integrating peer support services into a pediatric ED. 13 peer support workers (PSWs) and 30 mental health providers and stakeholders participated in interviews or focus groups. Using codebook thematic analysis, recommendations for integration were identified. Key recommendations were: clear conceptualization of youth and family peer support, effective communication pathways between the multidisciplinary team and PSWs, provision of training for ED staff to ensure workplace readiness for peer support, and consistent support for PSWs. Integration of peer support into pediatric EDs offers a feasible and acceptable way to support youth experiencing mental health crises.