ETT JÄMLIKT STÖD I RESAN MOT ÅTERHÄMTNING : PATIENTERS ERFARENHETER AV PEER SUPPORT OCH DESS BETYDELSE FÖR ÅTERHÄMTNING INOM PSYKIATRISK VÅRD

Sammanfattning: ABSTRACT Background: Previous research shows that peer support has an impact on and significance for patients, staff, health care and the care environment. However, it appears that there is limited research from patients' perspectives and that there is a need for further research on peer support and its significance for patients in psychiatric care. Aim: To describe patients' experience of peer support and its significance for recovery in psychiatric care. Method: Qualitative design with an inductive approach where data collection was done through semi-structured interviews with six patients with mental illness and/or substance abuse in psychiatric outpatient and inpatient care. Interviews were analyzed through qualitative content analysis. Results: Through three categories and ten subcategories the importance of receiving support from a peer supporter is emphasized and focuses on what the sharing of one's own experience can contribute to patients' own recovery. Conclusions: The support of a peer supporter with personal experience of mental illness and/or substance abuse felt by patients as a positive experience. The support contributed to a recognition that created a bond and enabled patients to open up and led to a capability to think in other ways. It was described as a safe relationship that was characterized by genuine listening and a special understanding. The patient felt like an ordinary person and not as a sick patient. Seeing that someone else had recovered contributed to the hope for their own future and recovery.