Abstract
BackgroundInnovative and sustainable programs are required to support the well-being of stroke survivors. Peer support is a potentially low cost way to enhance well-being of recent stroke survivors and the well-being and community reintegration of their peer supporters. This article describes the perceptions of stroke survivors, care partners, peer supporters, and professionals of an individual peer support program.MethodsAn instrumental case study design was used to examine a volunteer peer support program that provides acute care visits and telephone follow-up post-discharge. In particular, a) type of support provided, b) benefits for the stroke survivor and care partner, c) potential harms to the stroke survivor, d) impact of providing support on the peer supporter, and e) required processes were considered. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 16 new stroke survivors and 8 care partners immediately following hospital discharge and then 6 months later, and with 7 peer supporters, 3 program co-ordinators and 4 health professionals to gather feedback from multiple stakeholders.ResultsEmotional, affirmational and informational support were perceived as being offered by the peer supporters. Peer visits were perceived as providing encouragement, motivation, validation, and decreased feelings of being alone. However, the visits were not perceived as beneficial to all stroke survivors. The impact on the peer supporters included increased social connections, personal growth, enjoyment, and feelings of making a difference in the lives of others. Involvement of the healthcare team, peer supporter training and a skilled coordinator were crucial to the success this program.ConclusionsPeer support can potentially enhance service to stroke survivors and promote community reintegration for peer volunteers. Further research is needed to determine the preferred format and timing of peer support, and the characteristics of stroke survivors most likely to benefit.
Highlights
Innovative and sustainable programs are required to support the well-being of stroke survivors
In this paper we present the results of a case study evaluation of an individual peer support program offered to stroke survivors in an acute care setting
In 2012, the program provided acute care visits to 112 stroke survivors and provided at least one follow-up phone call to 82% of the new stroke survivors previously or their care partners
Summary
Innovative and sustainable programs are required to support the well-being of stroke survivors. Peer support is a potentially low cost way to enhance well-being of recent stroke survivors and the well-being and community reintegration of their peer supporters. This article describes the perceptions of stroke survivors, care partners, peer supporters, and professionals of an individual peer support program. While support from sources such as healthcare professionals, family and friends has been identified as important during post stroke. Peer support is often recommended as a source of emotional, instrumental, informational and affirmational social support for people with chronic conditions [6]. Peer support is associated with decreased loneliness and feelings of difference, as well as enhanced social competence, social acceptance, and increased acceptance of chronic conditions [8]. Positive effects have been noted for both the person receiving support and the person providing support [9]
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