Certified Older Adult Peer Support Specialist-Delivered Telephonic Self-Management Intervention in a Racially and Ethnically Diverse Population with Serious Mental Illness

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to test the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of a three-month certified older adult peer support specialist-delivered telephonic intervention, Supporting Older Adults Remotely (SOAR), incorporating evidence-based self-management strategies. MethodsForty-two adults aged 62 years and older with serious mental illness (i.e., schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, or treatment-refractory major depressive disorder) were randomized to either the SOAR intervention (n=24) or Peer Support as Usual (n=18). Data on independent living skills, illness management, health practice ability, and medication adherence were collected at baseline, three months, and six months. ResultsFidelity ratings based on a review of eighty-six SOAR meetings revealed that all met “acceptable” or higher fidelity criteria. Sixteen (66.7%) SOAR participants and fifteen (83.3%) Peer Support as Usual participants attended all twelve meetings and completed three and six-month follow-ups. The SOAR group showed significantly increased Independent Living Skills scores between the initial assessment and six-month follow-up (mean difference: 7.88, p<.001), while the Peer Support as Usual group showed no improvement. Mean Medication Adherence Rating Scale scores indicated higher adherence levels for the SOAR group over the study period than Peer Support as Usual (p=.031). Both arms showed improved self-efficacy for managing chronic health conditions and psychiatric self-management. ConclusionsThis study demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of a peer-delivered, telephonic aging-in-place intervention that incorporates evidence-based strategies for a racially and ethnically diverse group of older adults with serious mental illness. Study findings indicate that a structured self-management intervention may produce a more potent impact than non-manualized Peer Support as Usual, with significantly increased independent living skills and medication adherence.