Improving support for peer recovery specialists in harm reduction services
Official title: PATH to reducing burnout among peers who deliver harm reduction services: Improving workforce and service system outcomes through a combined eLearning and group consultation intervention
Funded at Chestnut Health Systems, INC. · NIH-11056224 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping peer recovery support specialists, who help people dealing with substance use issues, feel better and do their jobs more effectively by providing them with online training and group support to reduce burnout and improve their well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Chestnut Health Systems, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bloomington, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $759,748 |
| NIH project number | 1R61DA061340-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056224 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are peer recovery support specialists who are actively involved in harm reduction services and may be experiencing burnout.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in harm reduction services or do not work as peer recovery support specialists may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the well-being and effectiveness of peer recovery support specialists (PRSS) who provide harm reduction services to individuals struggling with substance use disorders. It employs a combined approach of eLearning and group consultations to address the high levels of burnout experienced by these workers. By utilizing virtual education and case-based learning, the program aims to equip PRSS with the necessary skills and support to improve their job performance and maintain their personal recovery. The ultimate goal is to ensure that PRSS can deliver high-quality services to clients while safeguarding their own mental health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved job satisfaction and performance among peer recovery specialists, resulting in better support for individuals facing substance use challenges.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that workforce interventions can effectively reduce burnout and improve service delivery in similar settings, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Chestnut Health Systems, INC.
Bloomington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Watson, Dennis Paul — Chestnut Health Systems, INC.
- Study coordinator: Watson, Dennis Paul
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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PATH program to reduce burnout among overdose-prevention peers
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Helping VA primary care teams avoid burnout
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Reducing burnout and improving resilience in community health centers
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.