Peer Support Program Research Articles

The barriers and enablers to accessing sexual health and sexual well-being services for midlife women (aged 40-65 years) in high-income countries: A mixed-methods systematic review.

Midlife, beginning at 40 years and extending to 65 years, a range that encompasses the late reproductive to late menopausal stages, is a unique time in women's lives, when hormonal and physical changes are often accompanied by psychological and social evolution. Access to sexual health and sexual well-being (SHSW) services, which include the prevention and management of sexually transmitted infections, contraception and the support of sexual function, pleasure and safety, is important for the health of midlife women, their relationships and community cohesion. The objective was to use the socio-ecological model to synthesise the barriers and enablers to SHSW services for midlife women in high-income countries. A systematic review of the enablers and barriers to women (including trans-gender and non-binary people) aged 40-65 years accessing SHSW services in high-income countries was undertaken. Four databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Google Scholar) were searched for peer-reviewed publications. Findings were thematically extracted and reported in a narrative synthesis. Eighty-one studies were included; a minority specifically set out to study SHSW care for midlife women. The key barriers that emerged were the intersecting disadvantage of under-served groups, poor knowledge, about SHSW, and SHSW services, among women and their healthcare professionals (HCPs), and the over-arching effect of stigma, social connections and psychological factors on access to care. Enablers included intergenerational learning, interdisciplinary and one-stop women-only services, integration of SHSW into other services, peer support programmes, representation of minoritised midlife women working in SHSW, local and free facilities and financial incentives to access services for under-served groups. Efforts are needed to enhance education about SHSW and related services among midlife women and their healthcare providers. This increased education should be leveraged to improve research, public health messaging, interventions, policy development and access to comprehensive services, especially for midlife women from underserved groups.

The Impact of The Parent-To-Parent Peer Support Program on the Disenfranchised Grief Severity of Mothers with Preterm Infants

The Impact of The Parent-To-Parent Peer Support Program on the Disenfranchised Grief Severity of Mothers with Preterm Infants

INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE (IBD) COMMUNITY PREFERENCES FOR PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT: THE ROLE AND SCOPE OF PEER SUPPORT FOR YOUTH WITH IBD

Abstract INTRODUCTION Youth with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) experience psychosocial challenges which can negatively impact their body image, self-efficacy, IBD symptoms, and risk of disease recurrence. Peer support programs have high desirability amongst IBD patients and can improve disease management skills, self-efficacy, and mental health generally. Existing peer support programs vary, ranging from one-on-one peer coaching to professionally-led support groups to IBD summer camps. However, there is limited research identifying best practices for peer support in IBD. Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is a framework that centers patient voices in all phases of research, providing an opportunity to equitably represent patient preferences in the development of peer support programs. METHODS Our mixed-methods community survey was disseminated across the US to adults eighteen or older with IBD via patient organizations. This survey assessed patient preferences for a peer support program, including structure (e.g., support group, 1:1 mentor, group activities) and program topics (e.g., body image, social life, medical care). Participants ranked these on a 5-point Likert scale (from “Not at all important” to “Extremely important”) and also had an open-ended opportunity to provide other topic suggestions. Given our CBPR approach, we recruited a Patient Advisory Board (PAB), composed of adults diagnosed with IBD in childhood, and conducted one-on-one interviews to assess patient perspectives of the survey results. RESULTS Our sample included 77 participants (mean age 29, 39.5% with ulcerative colitis, 60.5% with Crohn’s disease). Participants ranked doing non-IBD activities (e.g., games, meals) as quite a bit important, while IBD activities (e.g., IBD comic book) were ranked moderately important. PAB members emphasized that the strength of a patient-led support program is the shared experience and “normalcy” of having IBD, and that limiting a program to IBD activities wouldn’t allow for spontaneous conversation and trust-building. The average ranking of all topics surveyed fell between “extremely important” to “quite a bit important.” In order of importance, topics included navigating social life and mental health, increasing independence while growing older, planning for the future, communicating with the healthcare team, disclosure to friends, navigating school, body image, medical management, and nutrition. Themes suggested by participants included sexual intimacy, fertility, and advocacy. PAB members emphasized the role of peer support interventions as complementary to medical care, and specifically, how peer mentorship can allow for ‘real world’ examples of navigating life with IBD, outside traditional topics discussed in medical appointments. We will use this mixed-methods data to inform our design of a novel IBD peer support program.

P372 Barriers and facilitators of the transition from paediatric to adult care in inflammatory bowel disease: A Western Canadian perspective

Abstract Background Patients diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in childhood/adolescence face additional challenges compared to those diagnosed in adulthood, including more extensive disease and higher risk of complications. The need to undergo transition from paediatric to adult care is associated with an increase in health care utilization and a decrease in adherence to medical appointments and medications. An effective transition may reduce these negative impacts, but there remains a need to engage the stakeholders involved in transition to identify ways to improve the transition process. This study aims to describe the perspectives of key stakeholders - patients, parents, and health care providers - on barriers and facilitators of a successful transition from paediatric to adult care. Methods We conducted a qualitative description study informed by naturalistic inquiry. Patients, parents, and providers from Western Canada were recruited using purposive and snowball sampling for a virtual semi-structured interview. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and then analyzed by latent content analysis. Results We interviewed 17 patients, 13 parents, and 15 providers. Preparedness as a facilitator was the only theme to emerge across all groups. Groups described preparedness as knowing disease history (patients & providers), expectations of adult care (providers), and having a peer support program (parents). A supportive adult care team was identified as a facilitator by patients (n=10) and parents (n=4) who described an adult care team as one with open lines of communication, and one that is welcoming and caring. Additional facilitator themes included patient characteristics (i.e., patients who were mature, organized, and independent), and supportive parents and home environment, where a patient’s self-confidence and ability to advocate for themselves was encouraged. A barrier theme of patient factors was characterized by providers (n=8) and parents (n=4) as patients in denial of their IBD or who had mental health comorbidities. In the theme of hovering parents and family factors, providers (n=12) described parents who were reluctant to transfer disease responsibility to their child, and families with economic and/or personal challenges. Additional barrier themes included the need to navigate a new health care system and travel to clinic. Conclusion The results suggest a uniform agreement is necessary amongst stakeholders to ensure the development of resources aimed at preparing patients. Our study found differences in how stakeholder groups characterize the barriers and facilitators of transition. Future research should engage multiple stakeholder groups in designing transition interventions and supports for patients with IBD.

The science of joy: happiness among healthcare workers

Purpose of review Understanding the impact of healthcare workers’ (HCW) happiness on patient care is crucial. The aim of this review is to provide an update on recent advances in the field. Recent findings The article depicts the importance of HCW's happiness; the factors, the psychometric tests, tools and methods to measure their happiness and wellbeing, as well as interventions that organizations can implement to improve it, summarizing what have been published from January 2022 up to August 2023. Summary HCW often face demanding work environments, long working hours, and emotional challenges when dealing with patients’ suffering. The constant exposure to such stressors can lead to physical and mental health issues. Factors like job satisfaction, work-life balance, and support from colleagues and supervisor play a significant role in their happiness. Tools such as the Shorted Happiness at Work Scale (SHAW) and Eudemonic and Hedonic happiness investigation, and other surveys and qualitative methods have been used to assess overall wellbeing. Organizational strategies have been implemented to promote a positive work culture, recognize and reward efforts, and create a supportive environment to improve happiness. Mindfulness-based techniques, web-based interventions, practice gratitude, peer support programs, and stress management training seem to be effective measures to enhance the wellbeing of HCW.

Peer Support to Promote Surgeon Well-being: The APSA Program Experience

BackgroundPeer support programs have evolved to train physicians to provide outreach and emotional first aid to their colleagues when they experience the inevitable challenge of a serious adverse event, whether or not it is related to a medical error. Most pediatric surgeons have experienced the trauma of a medical error, yet, in a survey of APSA membership, almost half said that no one reached out to them, and few were satisfied with their institution's response to the error. Thus, the APSA Wellness Committee developed an APSA-based peer support program to meet this need. MethodsPeer supporters were nominated by fellow APSA members, and the group was vetted to ensure diversity in demographics, practice setting, and seniority. Formal virtual training was conducted before the program went live in 2020. Trained supporters were surveyed 6 months after the program launched to evaluate their experiences with providing peer support. Results15 referrals were made in the first year, 60 % of which were self-initiated. Most referrals were for distress related to adverse events or toxic work environments (33 % each). While only about 25 % of trained supporters had provided formal support through the APSA program, more than 80 % reported using the skills to support colleagues and trainees within their own institutions. ConclusionOur experience in the first year of the APSA peer support program demonstrates the feasibility of building and maintaining a national program to provide emotional first aid by a professional society to expand the safety net for surgeons who are suffering.

Identifying and synthesizing components of perinatal mental health peer support - a systematic review.

Becoming a parent, while often perceived as a joyous event, can also be a vulnerable life transition, with approximately one in five mothers experiencing perinatal mental illness. Peer support is recommended for its preventive and therapeutic benefits. However, relevant program components of perinatal mental health peer support remain to be identified. This review aims to (1) identify peer support programs in perinatal mental health through existing reviews and to (2) synthesize the components of these programs. A systematic literature review guided by PRISMA was conducted searching four databases, supplemented by hand searches. The Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist facilitated the systematic extraction and synthesis of program components. Eleven peer support programs were identified from three reviews, largely conducted in English-speaking countries. The identified reviews highlight the benefits of peer support in perinatal mental health. Key components of individual programs were contextual background, materials, provider training and support, delivery modes and locations, and evaluation. Sharing lived experience and providing flexible support were central to all programs. Aspects of flexibility, authenticity and the challenges of program evaluation in peer support must be considered. Findings can now inform future planning and implementation efforts of peer support programs in periantal mental health.

A SAFER Workplace: Broadening Peer Support Programs

Mistreatment from patients and their visitors is a troubling problem affecting the majority of physicians throughout their career and disproportionately impacting female and nonwhite physicians. This article reviews the prevalence and impact of mistreatment of physicians from patients and their visitors and reviews steps that organizations can take to address mistreatment from patients. Additionally, this article highlights a unique opportunity to expand peer support programs to provide trauma-informed emotional first aid to physicians after episodes of mistreatment and provides a communication roadmap, SAFER, to guide peer supporters. [ Psychiatr Ann . 2024;54(1):e3–e8.]

UNDERSTANDING AND ADDRESSING BURNOUT AND COMPASSION FATIGUE IN HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

Burnout and compassion fatigue are critical issues affecting healthcare professionals, leading to decreased job satisfaction, reduced quality of care, and signif- icant personal consequences. This presentation delves into the complex dynamics of burnout and compassion fatigue, exploring their causes, symptoms, and impact on healthcare providers across various settings. Burnout, characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a diminished sense of personal accomplishment, is a response to prolonged stress and high demands in the workplace. Compassion fatigue, often described as the cost of caring, occurs when healthcare providers experience secondary traumatic stress due to the emotional burden of caring for patients in distress. Together, these conditions can lead to a decline in mental and physical health, increased absenteeism, and higher turnover rates among healthcare professionals. The presentation will provide an overview of the factors contributing to burnout and compassion fatigue, including excessive workloads, lack of support, emotional strain, and the ethical dilemmas often faced in clinical practice. It will also highlight the signs and symptoms of these conditions, emphasizing the importance of early recognition and intervention. Strategies for prevention and management will be a central focus, with a discussion on evidence-based approaches such as mindfulness, resilience training, peer support programs, and organizational changes aimed at creating a more supportive work environment. The role of self-care, work-life balance, and institutional responsibility in mitigating burnout and compassion fatigue will also be examined. By understanding the underlying causes and implementing effective strategies, healthcare organizations can foster a culture of well-being and resilience, ensuring that providers maintain their passion for patient care while safeguarding their own health and well-being. This presentation aims to equip healthcare professionals and administrators with the knowledge and tools needed to address burnout and compassion fatigue, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for both providers and patients.

Изучение опыта работы с химиопрепаратами специалистов сестринского дела в онкологических клиниках Казахстана

The purpose of the study to describe the nursing practices related to the administration of chemotherapy and aims to assess the level of competence among nursing professionals, identify challenges encountered while working with chemotherapy, and evaluate the safety conditions in their workplace. Methods. This study presents a cross-sectional design using a quantitative method. The participants in this study are nursing specialists actively engaged in handling chemotherapy drugs in three prominent clinics in the Republic of Kazakhstan, which offer medical care to patients with oncohematological and oncological conditions affecting the respiratory, urinary, and digestive systems. A total of 70 completed questionnaires were collected from nursing professionals working in these clinics. The data collected was statistically analyzed using STATA 14 statistical software. The analysis focused on assessing educational qualifications, workload, workplace safety climate, and the complexity of nursing practices for patients undergoing chemotherapy. Results. The majority of participants are relatively young professionals with limited experience in working with chemotherapy drugs and no specialized training in this field. Overall, participants displayed a reasonable understanding of breeding conditions, the effects of chemotherapy drugs, the use of PPE and the implementation of preventive measures when handling them. However, there was a lack of awareness regarding the proper transportation of chemotherapy drugs and the requisite protocols for the disposal of medical and biological waste generated by patients receiving chemotherapy. The study revealed that clinics where participants were interviewed offered mentoring and peer support programs. According to participants, the primary challenges in working with chemotherapy revolved around caring for patients experiencing chemotherapy-related side effects, mainly due to the high workload and the inherent toxicity of chemotherapy. Nevertheless, most participants indicated that workplace safety conditions were maintained at a high level. Conclusion. This study provides valuable insights into the practices of nursing specialists involved in administering chemotherapy in multiple oncology clinics within the Republic of Kazakhstan. It sheds light on the experiences of these professionals and offers a comprehensive understanding of the existing conditions and challenges faced when delivering chemotherapy to patients.

Development of a longitudinal and sustainable peer support program for pancreas cancer patients

Development of a longitudinal and sustainable peer support program for pancreas cancer patients

Public Speaking Anxiety among Senior High School Students: A Basis for Enhancement Program

This study addressed Public Speaking Anxiety Among Senior High School Students: A Basis For Enhancement Program. The study’s primary goal was to determine the level of public speaking anxiety in terms of their respective indicators and the significant difference between the levels of public speaking anxiety among Grade 11 and Grade 12 students. The study utilized a quantitative-correlational design with 274 respondents among Senior High School Students in Lorenzo S. Sarmiento Sr. National High School. The average weighted mean and T-test were the statistical tools used in this study. The results showed a high level of Public Speaking Anxiety, along with the indicators of Trait Anxiety, Context Anxiety, and Audience Anxiety. Additionally, a significant difference was found between the Level of Public Speaking Anxiety of Grade 11 and Grade 12 Students suggesting a need for comprehensive enhancement program to enhance students’ public speaking skills. Consequently, the null hypothesis was rejected. The recommendations include implementing regular workshops and training sessions on public speaking skills, integrating public speaking into the curriculum, establishing peer support programs and public speaking clubs, providing flexible assessment methods, engaging parents through informational sessions, and encouraging gradual exposure to speaking opportunities. This necessitated an enhancement program to improve the public speaking skills of Grade 11 and 12 students, the Vocal Ease: Triumph Over Public Speaking Anxiety Program.

Health care transition experiences of young adults with medical complexity

BackgroundTransition from pediatric to adult healthcare and services is an important event in the life course of all youth, including youth living with medical complexity. Data from the National Survey of Children’s Health indicates less than 20 % of youth receive health care transition services. The goal of our study was understanding the support, tools and resources that facilitate successful health care transition of young adults living with medical complexity. MethodsYoung adults living with medical complexity and their parents shared their lived experience of ‘what worked’ and ‘what is needed’ for successful health care transition during focus group sessions. Content analysis of transcripts used an iterative and deductive approach guided by a priori themes. FindingsThe voices of ten young adults and fourteen parents were shared during three virtual focus group sessions. They described health care transition (HCT) as an individualized process with success relying on consistent, clearly-defined and systemwide guidelines and resources. Moving from pediatric/family-focused care to adult/patient-focused care requires increased self-management and young adults often felt under-prepared for this role. Support from formal transition coordinators would improve communication between the multiple health, county/state agency and education systems involved during the transition period. ConclusionsUnderstanding the support, tools, and resources specifically needed by young adults with medical complexity for successful pediatric to adult health care transition is a critical first step in addressing the documented lack of transition services for this vulnerable population. This includes formal peer support programs for young adults with medical complexity and their parents.

Peer support provider and recipients' perspectives on compassion in virtual peer support stroke programs: "You can't really be supportive without compassion".

Peer support programs demonstrate numerous benefits, including emotional, instrumental, informational, and affirmational social support. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many peer support stroke programs in Canada have been delivered virtually. Compassion must be consistently applied to build meaningful interactions, but the shift to virtual services may have changed the quality of interaction and compassion in virtual services. While compassion is recommended in health and social services to improve outcomes, satisfaction, and service quality, compassion in virtual peer support stroke programs remains understudied. We aimed to describe compassionate support in virtual peer support stroke programs from peer support providers' and recipients' perspectives. This qualitative descriptive study was guided by Sinclair & colleagues' model of compassion. Peer support recipients or peer support providers participated in interviews transcribed and analyzed using a hybrid thematic analysis. Sixteen were peer support recipients, six were peer support providers, and two were both peer support providers and recipients. Participants agreed that compassion was essential in these programs. Participants perceived compassion to be a result of the virtues of compassionate facilitators (i.e., genuineness, passion, and empathy), relational space, and communication within the virtual peer support stroke program (e.g., sense of awareness or intuition of compassion, aspects of engaged peer support provision), virtuous response (e.g., knowing the person and actions that made the peer support recipient feel like a priority). Compassion was facilitated by listening and understanding peer support recipients' needs as they relate to stroke (i.e., seeking to understand peer support recipients and their needs), attending to peer support recipients' needs (e.g., timely actions to address their needs), and achieving compassion-related program outcomes (e.g., alleviating challenges and enhancing wellbeing). The absence of these components (e.g., lacking genuineness, passion and empathy) was a barrier to compassion in virtual peer support stroke programs. Study findings describe facilitators and barriers to perceived compassion in virtual peer support stroke programs and provide practical recommendations that can be adapted into programs to improve program quality.

Mentoring, coaching and peer-support programs promoting well-being for physicians: A systematic review

Mentoring, coaching and peer-support programs promoting well-being for physicians: A systematic review

Impact of a peer-support programme to improve loneliness and social isolation due to COVID-19: does adding a secure, user friendly video-conference solution work better than telephone support alone? Protocol for a three-arm randomised clinical trial

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has forced the implementation of physical distancing and self-isolation strategies worldwide. However, these measures have significant potential to increase social isolation and loneliness. Among older people, loneliness...

Promoting Sustainable Development Goal 5 Through Ubuntu-Based South African Basic Education Curriculum

Gender inequality is a pervasive problem worldwide and achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5) of gender equality is crucial for social progress. In South Africa, gender disparities persist in primary and secondary education, hindering girls' access to quality education and opportunities. This study explores the application of the Ubuntu socio-cultural principle in addressing SDG 5 in South Africa. Ubuntu, an African philosophy emphasizing interconnectedness and humaneness, offers insights into fostering social justice and equality. By integrating Ubuntu principles into education, South African secondary schools can promote inclusive classrooms, gender sensitization programs, peer support, and mentorship. Inclusive education ensures equal participation and opportunities for all students, fostering respect for diversity. Gender sensitization programs raise awareness, challenge stereotypes, and promote empathy and understanding. Peer support and mentorship programs create a supportive network, breaking gender barriers and fostering positive role modelling. Applying Ubuntu principles in South African secondary schools can contribute to achieving SDG 5 by creating an inclusive and respectful educational environment that values and respects all students, regardless of gender. By promoting empathy, understanding, and collective responsibility, Ubuntu can help challenge harmful gender norms and foster dialogue, collaboration, and transformative change towards gender equality.

PHYSICIAN HEALTH AND WELLNESS- ASSESSMENT OF A PEER SUPPORT PROGRAM IN A WESTERN CANADIAN TERTIARY HOSPITAL PEDIATRIC DEPARTMENT

Physicians experience high rates of burnout due to the job related demands and emotional stressors . As a result, physician health and wellness initiatives have been sought out to mitigate burn out, and work towards advocating for physician well-being. Peer support programs have been used, and found to be effective, in mitigating burn out by utilizing the innate tendency to respond and empathized with shared difficulty. Our study evaluated the effectiveness of peer support and the recommendations needed to implement such a program on a larger scale. 14 physicians from the Regina General Hospital Pediatric department were paired to have informal virtual meetings (during COVID-19) every two weeks for three months. Following the program, physicians were individually interviewed and participated in a short cross sectional survey to understand the experience and perception of the program. Results showed a perceived benefit and value towards the program with an interest in continuing in a more formal fashion. The small department and the inability to meet naturally in person (due to COVID-19) provided limitations. Future indications of the program include continuation, expansion, and advocacy for the program. While providing a more formal structure with administrative support for schedule integration.

Peer Support for Individuals with Major Limb Loss: a Scoping Review.

Major limb loss can have profound physical and psychosocial implications for individuals, impacting their quality of life and well-being. Despite the effectiveness of peer support in improving outcomes for various chronic conditions, its impact on individuals with major limb loss remains understudied. This review aims to explore the existing literature on peer support for individuals with major limb loss. Specifically, exploring how the literature defines peer support; examining its implementation, identifying outcomes measured in peer support interventions, assessing the benefits for individuals with major limb loss, and identifying barriers associated with peer support provision. This review followed Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework, analysing relevant literature to identify evidence, definitions, and key factors related to peer support for individuals with major limb loss. A comprehensive search in January 2023 utilized databases: MEDLINE, PsychInfo, Embase, and CINAHL. After a two-phase screening process, articles meeting specific criteria were included. Thematic and descriptive numerical analyses were applied to the extracted data. Twenty-two articles were reviewed. Peer support was described as an opportunity to provide education, advice, and encouragement between individuals with lived experiences. Across the two intervention-based studies investigating peer support programs, outcome measures included physical, psychological, social, and quality of life. Qualitative studies described perceived benefits as improved psychosocial well-being and the opportunity to exchange knowledge. Perceived barriers included a lack of formal training and male-dominated groups, which deterred individuals with amputation from participating. The evidence from the findings of the review sheds light on the current understanding of peer support for individuals with amputation. Due to the limited number of studies available, future research is necessary to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of peer support interventions tailored to this population.

PEER SUPPORT FOR CAREGIVERS OF AFRICAN AMERICANS LIVING WITH DEMENTIA: A PHASE 1 BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTION PROTOCOL

Abstract African American caregivers of older adults living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia are at high risk for physical, spiritual, and psychosocial challenges. Peer mentorship, a relationship-centered person-to-person approach may reduce healthcare decision-making burden among African American caregivers through cultural tailoring by promoting oral traditions, personal contact, and storytelling. The purpose of this Stage 1 intervention study is to use a stakeholder-informed approach in further developing and pilot testing the co-created Peer Support for Caregivers of African Americans Living with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (Pair2Care), a culturally sensitive caregiver peer support program. Pair2Care feasibility and acceptability will be evaluated in current (n=15) and trained former (n=15) African American Alzheimer’s and related dementia caregivers. Pair2Care will be deemed feasible and acceptable by evaluating eligibility criteria, recruitment and retention data, protocol adherence, satisfaction, and feedback on program appropriateness for broader dissemination. Preliminary intervention outcomes of caregiver anxiety, depression, quality-of-life, social support, self-efficacy for surrogate decision-making, and intent to use palliative care or hospice services will be assessed to evaluate intervention effectiveness. At 6 months as compared to baseline, current caregivers will report less anxiety and depression, improved quality-of-life, social support, and self-efficacy for surrogate decision-making, as well as intent to use palliative care or hospice services as part of healthcare and advance care planning decision- making. Pair2Care poses an innovative strategy with the potential to address advance care planning and healthcare decision-making, a significant health disparity problem and thereby promote health equity.