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35th AM (2025) - Poster Session
Peering into Challenges_Lessons Learned Implementi ...
Peering into Challenges_Lessons Learned Implementing Peer Support in an Academic Setting
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Pdf Summary
This study explores the challenges and lessons learned from implementing peer support programs within an academic medical setting, specifically at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Peer support specialists, individuals with lived experience in recovery, provide valuable assistance in substance use care. Benefits of peer support include increased treatment retention, reduced healthcare costs related to substance use, positive organizational changes, and improved patient outcomes. Despite these advantages, integrating peer support is complex and influenced by factors such as evidence quality, clear policies, organizational culture, ethical recovery values, and leadership engagement.<br /><br />The authors conducted a literature review and qualitative interviews with key stakeholders involved in NM-UNMC’s peer support program, including physicians, peer workers, and leadership from partnering organizations. From this, four key themes emerged as crucial considerations: logistical matters, communication, organizational culture, and funding.<br /><br />Logistical challenges involve legal and human resource considerations and decisions about hiring peer support workers internally versus collaborating with external organizations. The NM-UNMC partnered with the nonprofit Wellbeing Initiative for peer worker recruitment. Effective communication is essential, including providing peer workers with electronic medical record and secure messaging access, developing standardized referral forms, and addressing the issue of “peer drift,” where peer supporters may deviate from defined roles.<br /><br />Funding remains a common barrier, requiring careful attention to securing initial grants and ensuring long-term financial sustainability. Organizational culture also plays a significant role; gaining early buy-in from stakeholders, articulating the rationale and benefits of peer support, and designating a dedicated “peer support champion” are critical for program success.<br /><br />Overall, successful implementation of peer support in academic settings demands strategic planning around these themes, emphasizing collaboration, clear communication, sustainable funding, and supportive culture.
Keywords
peer support
academic medical center
substance use recovery
treatment retention
organizational culture
communication strategies
funding challenges
logistical considerations
peer support specialists
program implementation
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