Development of a Web-Based Peer Support Program for Family Caregivers of Ventilator-Assisted Individuals Living in the Community: Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina B Wasilewski ◽  
Mika Nonoyama ◽  
Craig Dale ◽  
Douglas A McKim ◽  
Jeremy Road ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Peer Support ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Support Program ◽  
Peer Mentors ◽  
Mentor Training ◽  
Peer Mentor ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Stage 1 ◽  
The Web ◽  
Peer Support Program

BACKGROUND Across Europe, Canada, Australia, and the United States, the prevalence of home mechanical ventilation (HMV) prevalence is 6.6-12.9 per 100,000. At-home ventilator-assisted individuals (VAIs) are often vulnerable and highly comorbid, requiring complex care. In Canada, most VAI care is provided by family, leading to poor health-related quality of life and increased caregiver burden. No supportive interventions or peer support programs are tailored to VAI caregivers. Owing to the financial, geographic, and time limitations, Web-based support delivery may especially meet VAI family caregiver needs. We have developed a peer mentor training and Web-based peer support program for VAI caregivers including information-sharing, peer-to-peer communication, and peer mentorship. OBJECTIVE Study Stage 1 aims to (1) evaluate the face and content validity of the peer mentor training program and (2) investigate participant satisfaction. Study Stage 2 aims to evaluate (1) the feasibility of participant recruitment and Web-based program delivery; (2) acceptability, usability, and satisfactoriness; (3) experiences of caregivers and peer mentors with the Web-based peer support program; and (4) effect of the Web-based peer support program on caregiver health outcomes. METHODS Study Stage 1: We will train 7 caregivers to act as peer mentors for the Web-based peer support program trial; they will complete questionnaires rating the utility of individual training sessions and the training program overall. Study Stage 2: We will recruit 30 caregiver peers for a pilot randomized controlled trial of the 12-week Web-based peer support program using a waitlist control; the program includes private chat, a public discussion forum, and weekly moderated chats. Caregiver peers will be randomized to the intervention or waitlist control group using a 1:1 ratio using Randomize.net. Both groups will complete pre- and postintervention health outcome questionnaires (ie, caregiving impact, mastery, coping, personal gain, positive affect, and depression). Caregiver peers in the intervention arm will only complete a program evaluation and will be invited to participate in an interview to provide insight into their experience. Peer mentors will be invited to participate in a Web-based focus group to provide insight into their experience as mentors. We will judge the feasibility per the number of recruitment and program delivery goals met, use analysis of covariance to compare health outcomes between intervention and control groups, and analyze qualitative data thematically. RESULTS Peer mentor training was completed with 5 caregivers in July 2018. To date, 2 caregivers have beta-tested the website, and the Web-based peer support program trial will commence in September 2018. Results are expected by early 2019. CONCLUSIONS This study will result in the production and initial evaluation of a rigorously developed, evidence- and stakeholder-informed Web-based peer training and peer support program for caregivers of VAIs residing at home. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPOR PRR1-10.2196/11827

scholarly journals Evaluation of a Web-based Psychosocial Education and Peer Support Program for Alcohol Use Concerns

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Dezarie Moskal ◽  
Holly Whitaker ◽  
Julia F. Bernstein ◽  
Stephen A. Maisto ◽  
Gerard J. Connors
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Support Program ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Peer Support Program

scholarly journals A Web-Disseminated Self-Help and Peer Support Program Could Fill Gaps in Mental Health Care: Lessons From a Consumer Survey

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. e5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha L Bernecker ◽  
Kaitlin Banschback ◽  
Gennarina D Santorelli ◽  
Michael J Constantino
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Public Interest ◽  
Support Program ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Training Course ◽  
Self Help ◽  
Peer Support Program

Background Self-guided mental health interventions that are disseminated via the Web have the potential to circumvent barriers to treatment and improve public mental health. However, self-guided interventions often fail to attract consumers and suffer from user nonadherence. Uptake of novel interventions could be improved by consulting consumers from the beginning of the development process in order to assess their interest and their preferences. Interventions can then be tailored using this feedback to optimize appeal. Objective The aim of our study was to determine the level of public interest in a new mental health intervention that incorporates elements of self-help and peer counseling and that is disseminated via a Web-based training course; to identify predictors of interest in the program; and to identify consumer preferences for features of Web-based courses and peer support programs. Methods We surveyed consumers via Amazon’s Mechanical Turk to estimate interest in the self-help and peer support program. We assessed associations between demographic and clinical characteristics and interest in the program, and we obtained feedback on desired features of the program. Results Overall, 63.9% (378/592) of respondents said that they would try the program; interest was lower but still substantial among those who were not willing or able to access traditional mental health services. Female gender, lower income, and openness to using psychotherapy were the most consistent predictors of interest in the program. The majority of respondents, although not all, preferred romantic partners or close friends as peer counselors and would be most likely to access the program if the training course were accessed on a stand-alone website. In general, respondents valued training in active listening skills. Conclusions In light of the apparent public interest in this program, Web-disseminated self-help and peer support interventions have enormous potential to fill gaps in mental health care. The results of this survey can be used to inform the design of such interventions.

Pathway to support and growth: Feasibility of formalized peer mentoring in gynecologic cancer survivorship.

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (7_suppl) ◽  
pp. 164-164
Author(s):  
Nita Karnik Lee ◽  
Diane Anderson ◽  
Fay J. Hlubocky
Keyword(s):  
Program Evaluation ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Peer Mentoring ◽  
Gynecologic Cancer ◽  
Support Program ◽  
Peer Mentors ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Post Surgery ◽  
Peer Support Program

164 Background: Peer support among cancer patients is understudied. Formal peer mentoring programs matching patients with survivor peers provides emotional and social support. Gynecological cancer patients are: underserved in the survivorship community, stigmatized due to disease, suffer elevated distress. Little is known on how to design and implement a formal peer support program for gynecologic cancer. Methods: To study the effect of peer support, a novel outpatient pilot peer support program for gynecologic cancer patients was implemented. Peer mentors had prior gynecologic cancers, completed treatment 1 year prior, and had formal 6 hour training. Newly diagnosed patients were matched with a peer at: 1) initial diagnosis 2) post-surgery 3) chemotherapy/radiation initiation 4) post treatment. Patients and Peers were matched based upon demographics. Qualitative individual and group interviews were used for program evaluation. Results: To date, 38 participants are enrolled: 17 peer mentors underwent training and 21 new patients were matched with mentors. Mentor demographics include: Mean age 61.8 (range 48-80), median 62. Ethnicity 65% CA, 30% AA, 5% Latina. Diagnoses were 47% endometrial, 12% cervical and 41% ovarian cancers. 65% of mentors have been matched with patients. Majority of pairs communicated via phone followed by face-to-face encounters. Qualitative program evaluation by mentors revealed barriers including: new patient resistance, readiness, distress. Matched mentors reported themes associated with advocacy, positive patient interactions, personal growth and satisfaction, greater sense of purpose due to their mentor role. Mentors expressed desire for future programs in inpatient/ infusion settings and group education. Programmatic challenges identified included inconsistent provider referrals, matching to disease site/stage, patient readiness to participate as mentees, and management of disease recurrence in mentors. Conclusions: Formalized peer mentoring program is feasible, offers a novel approach to providing psychosocial support for newly diagnosed patients and provides mentors a pathway for positive growth as survivors.

scholarly journals A Pilot Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial on the Ontario Brain Injury Association Peer Support Program

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (13) ◽  
pp. 2913
Author(s):  
Ben B. Levy ◽  
Dorothy Luong ◽  
Mark T. Bayley ◽  
Shane N. Sweet ◽  
Jennifer Voth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Community Integration ◽  
Support Program ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Peer Support Program

Background: The long-term consequences of traumatic brain injury can create major barriers to community integration. Peer support represents a sustainable model of support across this transition. The objective of the current study was to determine the feasibility of conducting a randomized controlled trial on the Ontario Brain Injury Association Peer Support Program and the preliminary effectiveness of the program on community integration, mood, health-related quality of life, and self-efficacy; Methods: A pilot feasibility randomized controlled trial with an embedded qualitative component was conducted. Mentees with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (n = 13) were randomized to a weekly intervention or waitlist control group. Interviews were conducted with a subset of mentees and peer mentors (n = 10). Integration of the quantitative and qualitative data was completed using a joint display approach; Results: No statistically significant results were found for community integration, mood, or self-efficacy; however, changes in these outcomes were accompanied by moderate-to-large effect sizes. Within health-related quality of life, the mean pain score of the intervention group was significantly lower than that of the control group at the two-month timepoint but not at completion. Interviews revealed proximal improvements in knowledge, skills, and goals, and identified two domains related to trial acceptability: (1) environmental context and resources, and (2) reinforcement; Conclusions: Given the conceivable importance of proximal improvements in domains such as knowledge, skills, and/or goals for the attainment of more distal outcomes, modifications to the existing Peer Support Program may be warranted. The introduction of program recommendations which promote discussion around particular domains may help facilitate long-term improvements in health outcomes.

scholarly journals Ontario Brain Injury Association Peer Support Program: a mixed methods protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. e023367 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah E P Munce ◽  
Susan Jaglal ◽  
Monika Kastner ◽  
Michelle L A Nelson ◽  
Nancy M Salbach ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Injury ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Support Program ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Wait List Control ◽  
Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial ◽  
Pilot Rct ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
Peer Support Program

IntroductionThe objective of this study is to conduct a pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) of the Ontario Brain Injury Association (OBIA) Peer Support Program. The RCT is designed to evaluate the effectiveness and dose–response of the Peer Support Program in improving participation and mood for people with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury compared with a wait-list control group.Methods and analysisThe proposed research is a three-phase, mixed methods pilot RCT. Consistent with an integrated knowledge translation approach, the study design has been informed in consultation with the knowledge user (ie, OBIA). It will include an initial qualitative examination of barriers and enablers to the trial implementation (phase 1), a pilot RCT (phase 2) and conclude with a qualitative component (phase 3). A qualitative descriptive approach will be adopted for both qualitative phases of the study (n=20–25) and thematic analysis will be used. The 6 months phase-2 trial will be conducted with 60 participants. These participants will be randomised to one of three groups: a twice a week programme (n=20), a once a week programme (n=20) or the wait-list control group (n=20). The feasibility of participant recruitment and retention, data collection, as well as participant adherence to the OBIA Peer Support Program will be evaluated. The primary outcome measure will be participation, as measured by the Participation Assessment with Recombined Tools–Objective. Other proposed outcomes of interest will include mood, health-related quality of life and self-efficacy.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval will be obtained from the principal author’s institution (University Health Network Research Ethics Board). The results of this study will inform the development of a larger scale RCT and will inform future iterations of the OBIA Peer Support Program including a revised programme curriculum.Trial registration numberNCT03450460; Pre-results.

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