Purpose The flexible assertive community treatment (FACT) teams employ peer support workers (PSWs) and have been swiftly introduced in mental health services. PSWs contribute with experiential knowledge to the team. Earlier research lacks information on PSWs' performance in FACT teams and how experiential knowledge influences the team. Design/methodology/approach A total of 24 interviews with FACT team members were conducted to gain insight into the use of the PSWs' experiential knowledge in urban FACT teams in Norway. Reflexive thematic analysis was applied to analyze the data. Findings The analysis generated four main themes. Two themes highlight the content of the PSWs' performance of experiential knowledge, together with the patients. Creating respite through activities and connecting patients to their senses helps them find coping mechanisms. The other two themes revolve around how the PSWs influence the team and work with time, flexibility and tacit knowledge of recovery. Practical implications Integration of PSWs’ experiential knowledge requires structural and cultural conditions that support autonomy, trust and explicit role clarification. Amplifying the team's knowledge of the PSW's work with patients could improve their working conditions and give valuable information in patient treatment. Recovery-oriented collaboration can be improved by making tacit knowledge visible and valued. There is a need for further research and development on how PSW experiential knowledge is used on a group level to support recovery in FACT teams. Originality/value This study adds to the practical knowledge of what, why and how PSWs use experiential knowledge with the individual patient and how they can use that knowledge in team discussions.
Myraunet et al. (Fri,) studied this question.