Perspectives on the implementation of peer navigation with street-connected youth for HIV care

Peer work is becoming a more common asset to multidisciplinary healthcare teams working with marginalized populations. The Peer Navigator Project is an implementation science study that sought to adapt and scale up peer navigation in HIV care for street-connected youth. This paper presents a qualitative thematic analysis of interview data to understand the complexities and nuances of peer navigation, including the experiences of a Peer Navigator working with street-connected youth in London, Canada. Through the analysis 5 themes were developed: 1) Expansiveness of the Peer Navigator role, 2) Social locations in peer work, 3) Differentiating peer work, 4) Boundaries, and 5) Care for peer workers. Recommendations for organizations seeking to implement peer work include: 1) Opportunities to prevent workplace stress and burnout, 2) Differentiating and valuing peer work, and 3) Promoting health and wellbeing. Despite the inherent challenges of the role, the value to clients and peers cannot be understated.