Peer-mentorship Following Lower-limb Loss in Small Communities: Implications for Occupational Therapists

Abstract

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> Peer-mentorship is an important accompaniment to occupational therapy practice, integrating lived expertise of practical and social-emotional knowledge. However, there is a paucity of research on peer-mentorship among individuals with lower-limb loss living in small communities. The objective of this study was to identify the impact of peer-mentorship during the amputation process and the adjustment to life afterward within small communities. <h3>Design</h3> Qualitative description. <h3>Setting</h3> Small communities through use of telephone and video conferencing. <h3>Participants</h3> Study participants (n=8) were 19 years of age or older with lower-limb loss who lived in a small community and had experience as either a peer-mentor, or mentee. <h3>Interventions</h3> Peer-mentorship program for people with lower-limb loss. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> Participants completed a 60-90 minute one-on-one semi-structured interview. Data was transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically. <h3>Results</h3> Our analysis identified the following themes: (i) "satisfying an unmet need" explores the desire for individuals to learn from others who have similar experiences living with lower-limb loss; (ii) "improving independence" describes the unique guidance offered by peer-mentors for returning to daily activities and building self-efficacy; (iii) "friendship" examines peer-mentors' unique therapeutic delivery and how it provided long-lasting accessible guidance in small communities, and (iv) "advocating for supports and resources" examines how peer-mentors fulfilled support roles to navigate healthcare and community services. <h3>Conclusions</h3> This study demonstrates the role peer-mentorship has toward improving recovery outcomes and social enablement during adjustment to lower-limb loss. Occupational therapists may consider collaborating with peer mentors for person-centered initiatives following lower limb loss in small communities. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> No conflict of interests to declare.