A consumer is frustrated because several different service providers are not communicating well when it comes to their care. How can the Peer Support Specialist support this consumer?

• A. Encourage the consumer to request a team meeting so all staff can connect.
• B. Assure the consumer that this lack of communication happens all the time.
• C. Advise the consumer to change their therapist and psychiatrist.
• D. Write a formal complaint to management on behalf of the consumer.

Answer: (C)

When communication among care providers is fragmented, the priority is to coordinate efforts around the consumer's goals and needs. The Peer Support Specialist can be a bridge who helps organize how the team works together and keeps the consumer at the center of the plan.

Encouraging a team meeting is the most effective next step. Bringing all involved providers—like the therapist, psychiatrist, case manager, and any other supports—into one conversation with the consumer’s participation helps align goals, share important updates, and clarify each person’s role. The PSS can help the consumer prepare an agenda, coordinate scheduling, and facilitate the discussion so everyone hears the consumer’s concerns, preferences, and priorities. After the meeting, the PSS can help document agreed actions and follow up to ensure those actions get done, which reduces the likelihood of missing information or duplicated efforts.

Other options don’t directly address the coordination gap. Saying the lack of communication happens all the time minimizes the issue and fails to empower the consumer to improve care. Advising the consumer to switch therapists or psychiatrists can create unnecessary disruption without solving the root problem of fragmented communication. Writing a formal complaint is a reactive step that may not improve day-to-day coordination or the consumer’s immediate care needs.