Research project DR/97 (Research action DR)
1. Context
Despite the general and evidence-informed recognition of the value of peer work in recovery-oriented addiction support, the structural integration of peer workers in the addiction field remains challenging. Reeves and colleagues (2024) have identified four critical factors contributing to the effective integration of peer roles at organizational level: (1) education and training; (2) organizational readiness; (3) structural adjustments; and (4) commitment to peer integration and recovery practices. Studies focusing on peer work in prison emphasize that the successful implementation of peer support interventions hinges on addressing individual, service-level, and organizational factors (Walton et al., 2024), and on adopting a capacity-building approach that fosters partnerships between prison and health services (South et al., 2016).
In the Belgian addiction treatment as well as the specific prison context, while there is growing support and funding for peer workers, these structural dimensions remain underexplored.
2. Objectives and research questions
The overall goal of the RECO-PEERS project is to address the challenges to enhance and expand the embedment of peer workers in the broad field of addiction support services as well as prison contexts in Belgium. Therefore, we intend to
(1) Gain insight into the evidence base and inspiring practices on implementing peer workers in mental health care, addiction treatment and prison settings (WP1)
o Provide an overview of existing evidence on implementing peer workers in mental health care, including addiction treatment and prison contexts;
o Identify international inspiring practices of implementing peer workers in addiction treatment and prison contexts.
(2) Map the current implementation of peer workers in addiction services and prison contexts (WP2)
o Identify where and how peer workers are currently implemented within addiction services and prisons;
o Identify challenges, gaps, and opportunities for enhancing the implementation of peer workers in these contexts;
o Gain insight into the practices and challenges of the ten newly implemented D&D practices in prison, from the perspectives of D&D coordinators and peer workers.
(3) Evaluate the implementation and service delivery of the ten D&D projects in prisons (WP3)
o Assess the implementation process of peer workers in the D&D projects, with a focus on the perceptions of key prison stakeholders;
o Assess the implementation process of peer workers in the D&D projects, with a focus on the experiences of the peer workers themselves;
o Assess the service delivery of peer workers in the D&D projects, with a focus on the perspectives and experiences of detainees.
(4) Develop a comprehensive policy framework for the structural embedment of peer workers in addiction services and prison contexts (WP4)
o Identify critical themes and co-creatively develop strategies to successfully and structurally implement peer workers in addiction services and prison contexts.
3. Methodology
These objectives will be tackled by means of a mixed methods design that is divided in 6 work packages: WPX: project coordination; WP1: mapping evidence and international practices; WP2: social cartography; WP3: implementation and evaluation of prison-based addiction projects; WP4: learning communities; and WPY: integration, impact and dissemination.
4. Interdisciplinarity
This project will be carried out by an interdisciplinary research team that consists of French- and Dutch-speaking) researchers, in order to cover the global context of Belgium. The research team integrates different disciplines: special needs education (“orthopedagogics”), psychology, criminology, psychiatry and social work. A particular focus of the study is the close involvement of and cooperation with experts by experience, as co-researcher. This participatory approach enables us to deeply integrate experiential knowledge in each phase and every work package.
5. Potential impact of the study for science, society and/or policy
Overall, through the RECO-PEERS project, we aim to significantly contribute to the structural embedment of peer workers in addiction services and prison contexts, recognizing the transformative potential of lived experience in fighting stigma. By sustainably integrating peer workers into these environments, we do not only seek to enhance service delivery but also aspire to foster a broader societal shift that promotes inclusive citizenship and improved quality of life for those affected by addiction.
6. Description of the final research results in the short and middle long term
This study will provide a scientifically grounded overview of the factors that facilitate or obstruct the implementation of peer workers within various addiction recovery settings. It will explore how peer support is perceived by those who benefit from it, as well as by other stakeholders. Additionally, the study will offer a set of evidence-informed policy recommendations and guidelines concerning the institutional role of peer workers in addiction recovery, also in prison settings.
7. References
Reeves, V., et al. (2024). Actions targeting the integration of peer workforces in mental health organisations: a mixed-methods systematic review. BMC psychiatry, 24(1), 211.
South, J., et al. (2016). A qualitative synthesis of the positive and negative impacts related to delivery of peer-based health interventions in prison settings. BMC health services research, 16, 1-8.
Walton, H., et al. (2024). Peer support for health, social care, and educational needs in adult prisons: a systematic scoping review. Public Health, 236, 412-421.
