People with Lived Experience as Support Workers and Community Leaders: Findings from a Critical Interpretive Synthesis of the Literature and Expert Consultation

In this critical interpretive synthesis, we explore the roles, benefits, and challenges of peer support workers with lived experience (PSWLE) who work with marginalized populations, integrating research findings and knowledge from key informants. We found that PSWLE are engaged in interconnected practice, consultative, and educative roles and serve as intermediaries between public services and marginalized populations; these roles vary according to field of practice; PSWLE perform work that benefits service users, human service organizations, and the public; and PSWLE are encumbered by various workplace challenges, like ambiguous job descriptions and the transition from service user to provider. PSWLE and other health and social service providers can experience tensions due to differences in practice models (e.g. harm reduction vs. medical model). Governments and human service organizations need to modify organizational and service delivery systems to ensure that PSWLE are adequately supported and capable of practicing according to peer support principles.