Authors: (including presenting author): :
KEUNG WI(1), LEUNG YY(1), CHIU LP(1), HO CME(2), LAU M(1), YUE SY(1), IP WM(1), CHANG SPV(3), WONG KKK(2)
Affiliation: :
(1)Occupational Therapy Department, Shatin Hospital (SH)
(2)Occupational Therapy Department, Tai Po Hospital (TPH)
(3)Occupational Therapy Department, Prince of Wales Hospital (PWH)
Keyword 1: :
Vocational Rehabilitation
Keyword 2: :
Peer Support Training
Keyword 3: :
Peer Support Worker
Introduction: :
Peer support is a SAMHSA-recognized evidence-based practice that promotes hope, empowerment, social inclusion, and recovery among persons with mental illness. Building on the Job Buddies Training in Kwai Chung Hospital and a generic training program by the OTCOC, the Occupational Therapy Unit of Shatin Hospital Psychiatric Day Hospital (SHPDH) launched an enhanced Peer Support Training Program with three additional modules: Resilience, Positive Psychotherapy, and Recovery Coaching Conversation.
Objectives: :
(1) Train persons in recovery (PIRs) for Peer Support Work in open employment;
(2) Strengthen recovery-oriented activities in PDH;
(3) Graduates as peer ambassadors to support other service users
Methodology: :
All PDH patients were invited; 9 trainees (aged 21–63, diagnoses: schizoaffective disorder, depression, bipolar disorder) were selected via interview and recovery story submission. The program comprised four stages:
1. Engagement & recruitment
2. 50-hour core training (4 core modules) + quiz
3. 20-hour mentor-supervised practicum
4. Graduation, Peer Ambassador appointment, job coaching & ongoing support Efficacy was measured by self-rated assessment, feedback questionnaires, and post-graduation employment status.
Result & Outcome: :
The program significantly enhanced patients' recovery, with improvements in median score observed across three crucial aspects: Empowerment, Social Inclusion, and Hope. Stakeholders expressed high satisfaction. All trainees (N=5) felt satisfied with the program, regarded it as useful, and demonstrated positive changes in their recovery stories. Similarly, all peer support service users (N=10) expressed satisfaction with the attitude and responses of the trainees, finding the services helpful, with 90% supporting the continuation of peer support. Additionally, nearly all day patients (97.6%, N=41) reported an increased understanding of peer support following the graduation ceremony and recovery story sharing. Regarding employment outcomes, two graduates have been employed as PSW, one graduate submitted CVs to NGOs, two graduates continue as peer ambassadors in PDH. Vocational success plays a vital role in the recovery of psychiatric patients, helping them reintegrate into the community and potentially reducing the need for hospitalization. To further validate the effectiveness of peer support work, multi-center replication in NTEC, including TPHPDH and NDHPDH, are planned. These efforts will highlight the positive impacts of peer support for both deliverers and receivers.
