Peer-to-peer mentoring for individuals with early inflammatory arthritis: feasibility pilot

Abstract

ObjectivesTo examine the feasibility and potential benefits of early peer support to improve the health and quality of life of individuals with early inflammatory arthritis (EIA).DesignFeasibility study using the 2008 Medical Research Council framework as a theoretical basis. A literature review, environmental scan, and interviews with patients, families and healthcare providers guided the development of peer mentor training sessions and a peer-to-peer mentoring programme. Peer mentors were trained and paired with a mentee to receive (face-to-face or telephone) support over 12 weeks.SettingTwo academic teaching hospitals in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.ParticipantsNine pairs consisting of one peer mentor and one mentee were matched based on factors such as age and work status.Primary outcome measureMentee outcomes of disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)/biological treatment use, self-efficacy, self-management, health-related quality of life, anxiety, coping efficacy, social support and disease activity were measured using validated tools. Descriptive statistics and effect sizes were calculated to determine clinically important (>0.3) changes. Peer mentor self-efficacy was assessed using a self-efficacy scale. Interviews conducted with participants examined acceptability and feasibility of procedures and outcome measures, as well as perspectives on the value of peer support for individuals with EIA. Themes were identified through constant comparison.ResultsMentees experienced improvements in the overall arthritis impact on life, coping efficacy and social support (effect size >0.3). Mentees also perceived emotional, informational, appraisal and instrumental support. Mentors also reported benefits and learnt from mentees’ fortitude and self-management skills. The training was well received by mentors. Their self-efficacy increased significantly after training completion. Participants’ experience of peer support was informed by the unique relationship with their peer. All participants were unequivocal about the need for peer support for individuals with EIA.ConclusionsThe intervention was well received. Training, peer support programme and outcome measures were demonstrated to be feasible with modifications. Early peer support may augment current rheumatological care.Trial registration numberNCT01054963, NCT01054131.

Peer‐to‐Peer Mentoring for African American Women With Lupus: A Feasibility Pilot

“…Whether a peer mentoring program may facilitate some of these benefits in patients with SLE has yet to be explored. [27, 28]…”

Effective Self-Management Interventions for Patients With Lupus: Potential Impact of Peer Mentoring

“…219,220 The service began in 1988 as a 2-year pilot program and offers ongoing emotional support by telephone to peers with SLE and their relatives. The mission of the program is to enhance coping, self-esteem, and health-related behaviors and to reduce feelings of isolation and anxiety common to individuals living with SLE.…”

The iPeer2Peer Program: a pilot randomized controlled trial in adolescents with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

“…Peer mentoring has been associated with improved diverse health outcomes [13–15]. However a systematic review on interventions to improve psychological adaptation to chronic disease by adolescents concluded that the efficiency of peer support groups requires more research; in particular how to achieve greater reach and adoption using novel information and communication technologies [16].…”