A person that has gone through tuberculosis treatment have experience-based knowledge and in-dept understanding about the feelings attached to taking the medicine, being in isolation and telling family and friends about tuberculosis. This insight differs from the professional knowledge that healthcare personnel have.

This has shown to be very valuable for people who are ill, and many patients have said that it was only when they got in contact with a peer that they really started the healing process.

The peers have different backgrounds and speak different languages. They can visit the hospital or meet outside for a walk or a coffee.The peer service in Norway is based on voluntary efforts from former tuberculosis patients. The work is based on some important principles:

• The peer has a duty of confidentiality.
• You meet as equals.
• The peer must not act as a professional health personnel.
• The peer must have processed their own situation and have the necessary distance from their illness.

If you want to get in touch with a peer, send an email to tuberkulose@lhli.no

Guidance note for peers can be downloaded here.