'This is PEEP' participatory qualitative study: learning from a provincial consultation and advisory group of people with lived and living experience of substance use in British Columbia, Canada

Abstract

Objectives: To summarise PEEP's (Professionals for Ethical Engagement of Peers-a group of consultants with lived and living experience of substance use) outputs and gain insights into PEEP's impact and suggestions for the future.

Design: Included an environmental scan to collate PEEP activities and outputs and a participatory qualitative design using thematic analysis.

Setting: British Columbia, Canada.

Participants: Eight members of PEEP and nine staff/people who consulted PEEP were interviewed.

Results: PEEP members are co-authors/acknowledged for their input in 25 peer review publications and 16 reports; PEEP members co-presented or were co-authors on 33 presentations. PEEP meets by Zoom two times per week and is paid monthly via honorarium from the Provincial Health Service Authority at a current rate of $C30 per hour. Four themes emerged from our interviews: (1) What is PEEP? (PEEP provides a sense of community, holds systems accountable and inspires others), (2) PEEP Process (suggestions for improvement: consultants should be prepared and involve PEEP throughout the process and report how PEEP's insights were used), (3) PEEP Outcomes (PEEP members gain skills and confidence, PEEP provides a reality check, consultants learn from PEEP, and input leads to practice changes) and (4) Future of PEEP (sustainable funding and opportunities for growth are critical).

Conclusion: PEEP is a cohesive group whose input is well-respected and influences policy and programmes. Given the ongoing drug toxicity emergency, it is critical to continue to support and expand PEEP.

Keywords: Epidemiology; Health policy; Peer group; Public health.