Table 1 Overview of the development process for a peer-facilitated self-management intervention

Method

Evidence reviews: peer support and self-management literature

Developing theory: interviews with CRT service users (n = 41)

Modelling: stakeholder focus groups (n = 12)

Feasibility testing evaluation: interviews with participants (n = 9) and PSW focus group

Piloting evaluation: interviews with participant (n = 18) and PSW focus group

Key findings

Promising evidence for self-management interventions for SMI—which can be peer-delivered

A need for additional support following CRT discharge was identified

Peer-provided support was acceptable to most CRT service users

A focus on help with wellness planning and relapse prevention was valued

Peer-provided, post-CRT support was endorsed as different but complementary to routine clinical care

Time-limited, 1:1 support with a focus on self-management and personal recovery was endorsed

Considerations for PSW training and support and linking with clinical teams were raised

The intervention was well-received

Advice from all was to use the structured workbook flexibly, in an individualised way, to meet participants’ needs and preferences

No further changes to intervention content or structure were recommended

Challenges were identified for PSWs of integration with CRTs, maintaining role clarity, and managing boundaries and endings

Intervention development decisions

Decision in principle to provide a peer-provided, self-management programme

Provisional selection of a structured self-management resource

Endorsement of an adapted recovery plan self-management resource

Specifications for programme delivery were developed

Adaptations to the recovery plan workbook to increase opportunities for personalised use

Systems to link PSWs to the CRT team were refined

Arrangements for PSWs’ training and supervision, and communication with CRT teams were refined