What are the most effective ways to evaluate peer support models for mental health disorders?

1 Define the objectives

The first step in evaluating any peer support model is to clearly define the objectives and expectations of the intervention. What are the specific problems or needs that the peer support model aims to address? What are the desired outcomes or impacts of the peer support model on the participants, the service providers, and the community? How do these objectives align with the values and principles of peer support, such as mutuality, respect, choice, and recovery? Defining the objectives will help to identify the relevant indicators and measures of success for the peer support model.

2 Choose the methods

The second step in evaluating any peer support model is to choose the appropriate methods and tools for collecting and analyzing data. There are different types of evaluation methods, such as quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods, that can be used depending on the nature and scope of the peer support model. Quantitative methods involve using numerical data, such as surveys, scales, or statistics, to measure the outcomes and impacts of the peer support model. Qualitative methods involve using non-numerical data, such as interviews, focus groups, or stories, to understand the experiences and perspectives of the peer support model participants. Mixed methods involve combining both quantitative and qualitative data to provide a comprehensive and holistic evaluation of the peer support model.

3 Engage the stakeholders

The third step in evaluating any peer support model is to engage the stakeholders, or the people who are involved in or affected by the peer support model, in the evaluation process. Stakeholders can include the peer supporters, the peer support recipients, the service providers, the funders, the policymakers, and the researchers. Engaging the stakeholders can help to ensure that the evaluation is relevant, credible, and useful for the peer support model. Stakeholders can be involved in different ways, such as co-designing the evaluation plan, providing feedback on the evaluation methods and tools, participating in data collection and analysis, and disseminating and applying the evaluation results.

4 Use the frameworks

The fourth step in evaluating any peer support model is to use the existing frameworks and guidelines developed by experts and practitioners in the field of peer support. These frameworks and guidelines provide a standardized, evidence-based approach to evaluate peer support models, as well as a common language and criteria for comparing and communicating the results. For instance, the Peer Support Evaluation Framework (PSEF) from the Scottish Recovery Network offers a set of questions and indicators to assess the quality, impact, and value of peer support services. The Peer Support Fidelity Tool (PSFT) from the Center for Social Innovation measures the extent to which peer support services adhere to core elements and practices, such as recovery orientation, ethics, and roles/relationships. The Mental Health Commission of Canada's Peer Support Toolkit provides a comprehensive guide for implementing and evaluating peer support programs, with templates, checklists, and examples of evaluation methods/tools.

5 Adapt to the context

The fifth step in evaluating any peer support model is to adapt the evaluation plan and methods to the specific context and characteristics of the peer support model. Peer support models can differ in their settings, formats, populations, and purposes, and therefore require different evaluation approaches and considerations. For example, a peer support model that operates in a rural or remote area may face challenges in accessing and engaging participants, collecting and storing data, and ensuring the safety and confidentiality of the peer support process. A peer support model that targets a specific group of people, such as youth, Indigenous, or LGBTQ+ individuals, may need to incorporate culturally appropriate and sensitive evaluation methods and tools, as well as involve the representatives and leaders of the community in the evaluation process.

6 Learn and improve

The sixth and final step in evaluating any peer support model is to use the evaluation results to learn from and improve the model. Evaluation is not a one-time event, but a continuous and iterative process that can inform and enhance the model. To take advantage of the evaluation results, you can celebrate and acknowledge the strengths of the model and its participants, identify and address any challenges or gaps, generate and share the knowledge of its effectiveness and impact, advocate for policies that will support it, and plan and implement changes to optimize it.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?