Exploring the feasibility, acceptability and value of volunteer peer mentors in supporting self-management of osteoarthritis: a qualitative evaluation

Abstract

Background: Hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA) affect a large and growing proportion of the population. Treatment options are typically conservative making self-management a priority. Using trained peers to support individuals with OA has potential to improve self-management. Purpose: To explore the process of engaging and training volunteers to become peer mentors; and to qualitatively evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and value of being a peer mentor to support others' self-management of OA. Materials and methods: A qualitative evaluation of a peer mentorship support intervention reporting the processes of recruitment and training; and semi-structured interviews conducted with nine active peer mentors. Transcribed interviews were coded and analysed using framework analysis. Results: It was possible to recruit, train and retain volunteers with OA to become peer mentors. The peer mentors benefitted from their training and felt equipped to deliver the intervention. They enjoyed social elements of the mentorship intervention and gained satisfaction through delivering valued support to mentees. Peer mentors perceived the mentorship intervention to have a positive impact on self-management of OA for mentees. Conclusion:Training volunteers with OA to become peer mentors was feasible and acceptable. Peer mentors perceived their support benefitted others with OA. They positively rated their experience of providing mentorship support. ä IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThis study demonstrates that it is possible to recruit, train and engage older volunteers to become peer mentors for people with osteoarthritis. Training should highlight the significance of employing key self-management techniques such as goal-setting. Peer mentors acknowledged that they benefitted from training and delivering the mentorship intervention, and this impacted positively on their own osteoarthritis self-management. Careful consideration of matching mentors and mentees appears to enhance the success of mentorship support. Recognising the impact of mentorship support on mentees' self-management is central to peer mentors' sustained engagement with the intervention.

Paths to Motherhood for Women with Cystic Fibrosis

“…Peer mentorships have been demonstrated to be beneficial in providing tangible support and promoting health behavior changes across a variety of conditions and settings (Fisher et al, 2012). These conditions include gynecologic cancer (Moran et al, 2021), osteoarthritis (Lavender et al, 2021), lupus (Faith et al, 2018), and chronic kidney disease (Perry et al, 2005), among many others.…”

Protocol for a pragmatic feasibility randomised controlled trial of peer coaching for adults with long-term conditions: PEER CONNECT

“…A number of studies have highlighted potential challenges of peer coaching such as coach well-being,14 low intervention adherence and high drop-out rates 8 9 13. A recent feasibility RCT of peer mentorship for people with osteoarthritis in the UK reports a mixed picture with challenges in matching coaches to peers and difficulties with coach retention alongside positive reports of coach enjoyment and satisfaction 7 16. We have not located any studies of peer coaching that have targeted peer coaching interventions at patients reporting low levels of activation.…”