Outcomes of experts by experience in (mental) health care and social domain: a scoping review

Peer support and peer-supported services have expanded broadly in Western countries. In the Netherlands there is a tendency, especially in mental health care, to further professionalize peer support. As a result, there is growing interest in the outcomes of experts by experience regarding participants who receive their support. 

This article reports on a scoping review that aimed to identify and synthesize qualitative research into the outcomes of experts by experience working in (mental) healthcare services and organizations in the social domain. We synthesized the findings of 32 studies. The outcomes were organized into three clusters: psycho-social outcomes, life domain outcomes and treatment outcomes. 

Psychosocial outcomes are most frequently mentioned. In all articles included, one or more psychosocial outcomes were found, e.g. reduced feelings of loneliness and isolation, more hope for a better life and increased self-confidence. More than half of the articles report positive outcomes in life domains, especially outcomes on family relations, social contacts and community engagement. Outcomes in terms of symptoms and treatment improvements were mentioned in about one-third of the included articles, such as symptom relief and shorter admissions. 

To get a clearer picture of the mechanisms that lead to the outcomes, more specific information is needed about what experts by experience do in their ‘experience work’.