Article

AIM: To review the qualitative and quantitative evidence of the benefits of peer
support for parents of children with disabling conditions in the context of
health, well-being, impact on family, and economic and service implications.
METHOD: We comprehensively searched multiple databases. Eligible studies
evaluated parent-to-parent support and reported on the psychological health and
experience of giving or receiving support. There were no limits on the child's
condition, study design, language, date, or setting. We sought to aggregate
quantitative data; findings of qualitative studies were combined using thematic
analysis. Qualitative and quantitative data were brought together in a narrative
synthesis. RESULTS: Seventeen papers were included: nine qualitative studies,
seven quantitative studies, and one mixed-methods evaluation. Four themes were
identified from qualitative studies: (1) shared social identity, (2) learning
from the experiences of others, (3) personal growth, and (4) supporting others.
Some quantitative studies reported a positive effect of peer support on
psychological health and other outcomes; however, this was not consistently
confirmed. It was not possible to aggregate data across studies. No costing data
were identified. CONCLUSION: Qualitative studies strongly suggest that parents
perceive benefit from peer support programmes, an effect seen across different
types of support and conditions. However, quantitative studies provide
inconsistent evidence of positive effects. Further research should explore
whether this dissonance is substantive or an artefact of how outcomes have been
measured.
CI - (c) The Authors. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology (c) 2013 Mac Keith
Press.

Langue : ANGLAIS