1369-7625/asset/HEX_left.gif?v=1&s=19d348d501fdb07c8caba50481b54b622e29d2d4)
Exploring kidney patients’ experiences of receiving individual peer support
Article first published online: 19 AUG 2009
DOI: 10.1111/j.1369-7625.2009.00568.x
© 2009 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2009 Blackwell Publishing Ltd
Additional Information
How to Cite
Hughes, J., Wood, E. and Smith, G. (2009), Exploring kidney patients’ experiences of receiving individual peer support. Health Expectations, 12: 396–406. doi: 10.1111/j.1369-7625.2009.00568.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 10 NOV 2009
- Article first published online: 19 AUG 2009
- Accepted for publication 13 June 2009
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- end-stage renal failure;
- kidney disease;
- patient experiences;
- peer support;
- treatment decisions
Abstract
Background Peer support schemes of various types are commonly offered to patients as an adjunct to health and social care services provided by professionals. For patients with chronic illness, peer support interventions have recently become associated with more directive attempts to increase self management and improve healthcare outcomes. There is little qualitative research on patients’ experiences of one-to-one peer support.
Purpose To explore kidney patients’ experiences of receiving individual peer support.
Setting Two large teaching hospital renal units in South London, with peer support services for patients on the pre-dialysis care pathway.
Methods Qualitative telephone interviews with a purposive, maximum variation sample of 20 people who had received peer support.
Results The majority of respondents were overwhelmingly positive about their experience of peer support and its benefits. They valued peer support because it had given them access to practical information about kidney disease, based on lived experience, which helped them reach decisions about treatment. Peer supporters offered patients empathy and understanding; confirmation that they were not alone in suffering; positive role models of coping with treatment for kidney disease; and hope for the future. Peer support helped patients adapt to chronic illness by normalizing adherence to demanding treatment regimes and increasing patients’ sense of empowerment and agency.
Conclusions A brief meeting with a peer supporter delivered similar perceived benefits to those described by participants in support groups. Possible explanations for this include selection and training of peer supporters; careful matching of patients with peer supporters; and responsiveness to individual user-defined needs for information and psychosocial support.