" VIA FAMILY VERSION 2.0" - Peer Support in a family-based intervention

Chalotte HEINSVIG POULSEN1, Simone TEPLIN1, Charlotte TØRNES1, Rikke VINDING1, Lene FALGAARD EPLOV1

1Copenhagen Research Center for mental health , Gentofte, Denmark

 

Introduction

Can peer-support in a family-based intervention promote recovery and well-being and support the prevention of mental illness in the family? The overall aims of the study were to: 1) Develop three co-created co-led peer support interventions targeting: a) Parents with mental illness; b) Their children (aged 15-20 years); and c) The co-parent or other close caregivers – based on existing literature and co-creation processes with the three target groups. 2) Examine the active ingredients of how, when, and under what circumstances the co-led peer support groups can promote personal recovery among parents with mental illness, as well as promote well-being and prevention of mental illness among their children and caregivers.

Method:

1) Development of co-created intervention manuals followed the British MRC guidance for developing and evaluating complex interventions. Co-creation processes with parents with mental illness, their children, and caregivers were facilitated based on existing knowledge from literature searches and practice experiences.

2) The VIA Family Version 2.0 intervention is evaluated in an RCT. This process evaluation covers a qualitative evaluation of the co-led peer support interventions targeting the parents with mental illness, their children, and caregivers investigating mechanisms of change and context among the recipients and the providers with a focus on the peer support element.

Results:

Three co-created peer support intervention manuals are completed in Dec. 2023 to be used in the VIA FAMILY VERSION 2.0 trial in January 2024.

We obtained funding for the qualitative evaluation of peer support intervention targeting the children (15-20 years). The data collection, i.e., focus group interviews with recipients and providers is expected to start in 2024. 

Discussion:  

The perspectives of this project is to contribute to further implementation of evidence-based peer support in family-based mental health practices.