Trained Peer Research Articles

A comparison of the effects of multimedia and peer teaching methods on medication adherence in heart failure patients

Objective: The present study investigated and compared the effects of peer and multimedia teaching methods on medication adherence of heart failure patients. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was done in Arak University of Medical Sciences hospitals, Arak, Iran. Samples were 44 patients with heart failure, studied in two groups. Twenty-two patients received medication adherence education through multimedia content developed by the researchers and a trained peer educated the other 22 patients. The patients’ medication adherence was assessed with a medication adherence questionnaire designed by Girerd et al. (2001) before, immediately after, and 1 month after the intervention. Data was entered the SPSS 23 and analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics (ANOVA). Results: The study of medication adherence indicated that medication adherence was different in each group before, immediately after, and one month after the intervention; however, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: Both peer and multimedia education methods improved medication adherence in patients with heart failure. However, the improvement rate in medication adherence was higher in the multimedia group. Practice Implication: It is suggested to use an appropriate method for teaching patients in different situations based on the available facilities and conditions.

Experiences that influence how trained providers support women with breastfeeding: A systematic review of qualitative evidence.

There is a need to improve breastfeeding support interventions as although many are evidence-based, a sequential increase in breastfeeding rates is not evident. It is crucial to understand why the implementation of evidence-based guidelines in practice does not always translate to positive experiences for women and improve breastfeeding rates. This systematic review aims to synthesise breastfeeding support experiences of trained support providers and their impact on breastfeeding support practices. A strategy was developed to search seven databases including Medline and CINAHL and grey literature for qualitative studies. Studies eligible for inclusion reported professional and trained peer experiences of supporting women to breastfeed. PRISMA guidelines were followed and included studies were quality appraised using the CASP Qualitative Checklist. A thematic synthesis of included studies was undertaken and confidence in the review findings was assessed using the CERQual tool. The study protocol, registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020207380, has been peer reviewed and published. A total of 977 records were screened, which identified 18 studies (21 papers) eligible for inclusion comprising 368 participants. Following quality appraisal, all studies were deemed suitable for inclusion. The thematic synthesis resulted in four analytical themes: 1) A personal philosophy of breastfeeding support 2) Teamwork and tensions in practice 3) Negotiating organisational constraints and 4) Encounters with breastfeeding women. Findings demonstrated that a range of experiences influence practice, and practice evolves on continued exposure to such experiences. The potential of each experience to facilitate or inhibit breastfeeding support provision is fluid and context specific. Experiences, as named above, are modifiable factors contributing to the development of a philosophy of breastfeeding support based on what the provider believes works and is valuable in practice. Further research is required into the range of factors which underpin context-specific breastfeeding support practice, to improve both women's experiences and intervention effectiveness.

Effectiveness of PMI Combined with Common Interest Activity for Elementary School Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Peer-mediated intervention (PMI) includes a range of strategies that are considered a successful aid in social-communication behavior for kids and their peers with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This study was carried out to improve the social behavior of children with ASD, using peer training through an activity that they have in common. Three ASD students in Greek elementary schools, aged seven to ten years old, two boys and one girl, participated in this study. The peers of ASD students were trained to interact with them during recess in a comprehensive school setting. An ABA reversal design was used on each participant in order to define the effects of the intervention. Through observation probes, the responses and the initiations of all ASD students were noted by trained school staff. The results of the intervention phase showed an increase in both of these two variables. Furthermore, the follow-up phase depicted important results for the academic community, also showing an increase in all ASD students’ responses and initiations. The current study supplements the existing PMI research, which leads to the possible use of this valid tool that could be used in school settings in order to increase the socialization of ASD students.

An innovative collaboration between a school of pharmacy and community-based organization for substance misuse prevention education

BackgroundPrevention education focused on prescription drug misuse through community-based organizations has been demonstrated as effective in reducing misuse within communities. Collaboration is an essential component to effective community prevention, and when paired with effective strategies like peer-to-peer education and skill building, communities see a shift in their substance use issues. ObjectiveThis study aimed at promoting substance misuse prevention education in schools and high-risk communities through the implementation of a student pharmacist internship program at a regional Prevention Resource Center (PRC). MethodsA student pharmacist internship program was created in 2017 by a state PRC and a school of pharmacy (SOP) to deliver substance misuse prevention education to youth across high-risk counties while providing a valuable public health internship opportunity. Each year, the student pharmacist intern was responsible for implementing prevention and education services through the training of peers and other key community sectors using the Generation Rx program and collecting quality improvement data for their project. Interns were able to determine the approach to delivering the education based on individual interests. ResultsThrough the 5 years of the program, interns have been able to reach a total of 9195 participants across southwest Missouri with prevention education and training. Results from the Missouri Student Survey across 4 specific high-risk counties are reviewed for responses to questions about use, perception of harm of misuse, and availability of prescription and over-the-counter medications over time as compared with overall state responses. ConclusionCollaborative partnerships between PRCs and SOPs may increase the reach and impact of prevention education targeting misuse to a wider audience while providing pharmacy students a unique public health experience.

Peer Specialists Can Aid in Suicide Prevention

Peer Specialists Can Aid in Suicide Prevention

Characteristics, Quality, and Safety Issues Identified During Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) Assessment of Orthopaedic Facilities Utilizing Cone-Beam CT Equipment

Category: Other Introduction/Purpose: The Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) began accrediting diagnostic CT facilities in 2007. Recently there has been an increase in the number of outpatient orthopaedic facilities that use cone beam CT (CBCT) equipment seeking accreditation. The accreditation process comprehensively evaluates a facility's daily operation, with quality determined by compliance with the IAC Standards and Guidelines for CT Accreditation. The Standards represent the minimum requirements for staff qualifications, instrumentation, quality assurance, physicist safety surveys, scan procedures, radiation dose optimization, interpretative accuracy, reporting, and quality improvement that a facility must meet to earn accreditation. The Standards are based on the published guidelines of 12 sponsoring professional medical societies, representing various specialties. This investigation aimed to discover characteristics of these facilities and to identify common quality and safety issues. Methods: To become accredited, facilities applying for IAC CT accreditation submit facility demographic data, staff qualifications, policies and procedures, sample quality assurance results, physicist survey reports, radiation dose logs, quality improvement data, and representative case studies via an online application process. The materials are evaluated by trained peer reviewers and findings are reported to the IAC CT Board of Directors for final accreditation decision. The IAC accreditation database was used to extract the characteristics and application findings of all orthopaedic facilities using CBCT that applied for accreditation from 2019-2021. Results: Facility Characteristics Currently, 41 orthopaedic facilities have achieved IAC CT accreditation (see map). The facilities perform a median of 378 scans per site annually (range 75-2400). On average, there were 4 physicians (range 1-20) and 2 technologists (range 0-15) per site. Most sites (n = 32) used CurveBeam CBCT equipment followed by Carestream (n=5) and Planmed (n=4). Facility Deficiencies Identified quality issues included poor scan quality (n=4) such as improper patient positioning or excessive motion artifact and inadequate reporting (n=14) such as inaccurate patient identification information, incomplete exam/technique documentation, or non-compliant report finalization/signature. Identified procedural issues included failure to perform/document routine quality control (n=12) such as phantom testing to ensure the safety of CT scanner operation; missing safety policies such as the medical emergency policy or incomplete clinical scan protocols (n=5); and lack of quality improvement activities (n=5).Finally, facility personnel did not meet staff qualification requirements at 11 sites. Conclusion: In summary, the IAC CT accreditation process rigorously evaluates CT facilities to improve quality and safety. Evaluation of the accreditation findings for outpatient orthopaedic facilities utilizing CBCT equipment and seeking IAC accreditation identified deficiencies at many sites. All facilities were required to rectify the deficiencies prior to being awarded IAC accreditation, and they must continue to monitor quality and safety to remain accredited.

Online adaptations of tree of life and beads of life groups alongside sustaining our community of peer trainers.

Collective Narrative practices, such as Tree of life and Beads of life groups, have intentions of bringing people together to share their specialist knowledge and build a sense of community. We wanted to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic through making these groups accessible online to young people living with health conditions in order to counter the social isolation and disconnectedness created by the pandemic. This paper discusses our specific online adaptations for both these groups as well as online 'Peer training' events. Young people who have participated in a group are invited to join the project as peer trainers who help facilitate, engage group participants, witness their stories and consult to the project. We have included the voices of two of our peer trainer consultants on their experiences. We also briefly reflect on the recent development of trialling hybrid groups.

A Pilot Study to Examine the Feasibility and Acceptability of a Virtual Adaptation of an In-Person Adolescent Diabetes Prevention Program.

Background: Rates of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes are alarmingly high among racial/ethnic minority youth. The current study examines the virtual adaptation of an in-person peer-led youth diabetes prevention program. Methods: The initial phase involved the study team adapting workshop sessions from an in-person to a virtual format (Zoom). We conducted a 2-h feasibility pilot in December 2020 and implemented the full 12 session pilot program from June to September 2021 with 14 prediabetic adolescents recruited from our hospital-based general pediatric clinic. Weekly sessions were led by trained peer educators and focused on promoting healthy eating and physical activity using behavioral techniques (e.g., goal setting, brainstorming, and problem solving). Results: The virtual adaptation of our program was shown to be feasible and acceptable among our pilot participants. We were able to deliver the same workshop content and behavioral skills development as the in-person workshop using a variety of Zoom features. Conclusions: Our peer-led youth diabetes prevention program was successfully adapted and implemented in a virtual format and was well accepted by at-risk youth. Future research is needed to examine the impact of virtual youth lifestyle interventions on behavioral and clinical outcomes such as weight and diabetes risk.

Visually impaired students’ views on peer tutoring in integrated physical education

ABSTRACT A variety of pedagogical practices have been proposed, described, and promoted by scholars in an effort to help enhance the experiences of visually impaired students in integrated physical education. Trained peer tutoring, where a nondisabled student is trained to serve as a peer tutor for a disabled student, is among them. However, little research has been done that engages directly with visually impaired students about their views and experiences with these pedagogical practices. Using belonging as a conceptual lens to guide and inform methodological and data interpretation decisions, our purpose was to elicit the views of visually impaired youth regarding the use of trained peer tutors in integrated physical education classes. Sixteen visually impaired youth completed two interviews about their views toward physical education generally and the concept of peer tutoring specifically. Interviews were conducted via video conference technology, and were recorded, transcribed, and subjected to thematic analysis. Three interrelated themes were constructed that depict the participants views toward the concept of peer tutoring: (a) peer tutoring might enhance belonging … maybe, (b) shouldn’t this just happen naturally?, and (c) this is not for me. The themes provide insights into the views of visually impaired youth toward peer tutoring as a strategy that may not be supportive of feelings of belonging within integrated physical education. Rather, participants were largely dismissive of the strategy, suggesting that any help needed within this context should be navigated outside of formal pedagogical strategies that may alienate visually impaired students by identifying them as ‘needing help’. These findings support suggestions for physical educators to implement this practice only after first permitting students to engage with friends to navigate physical education spaces, and then only afterwards at the discretion of the student.

Development of a Community-Based Network to Promote Anti-Drug Messaging and Identify Hidden Drug Abusers in Hong Kong.

Developing a community-based network by training peers as anti-drug ambassadors (ADAs) is a feasible strategy to identify hidden drug abusers. The Ask, Warn, Advise, Refer and Do-it-again (AWARD) model of smoking cessation is useful for enhancing people’s confidence in making referrals to anti-drug services. This study evaluated the effectiveness of such a network by examining the change in knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of 198 ADAs aged 13–18 before and after six months of our training. A one-group pre-test and repeated post-test design was used. One-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was applied to assess the changes in KAP, with p-values adjusted by Bonferroni correction. The results showed that the ADAs statistically significantly improved their KAP regarding drug abuse at the six-month follow-up compared to baseline. All ADAs who knew drug abusers (n = 3) had referred them to services based on the AWARD model. A total of 154 anti-drug abuse activities were conducted, reaching 4561 people. Based on the results, we concluded that the community-based network was effective in improving the KAP of ADAs regarding drug abuse, as well as referring hidden drug abusers. Future studies should consider implementing the network on a larger scale, thus maximizing its anti-drug capacity.

Formation of positive relationships of peers to children with special educational needs in inclusive education

This study aimed to establish a positive relationship between peers and children in need of special education in inclusive education. The research was carried out in the 2021–2022 spring academic year, and the study was carried out with the participation of 142 students in the quantitative research model. In the study, 3 weeks of inclusion and peer training were given to the participant group. In the study, a data collection tool called ‘inclusion and peer’ was used to collect data developed by the researchers. The data collection tool used in the research was delivered to the participant groups by online method and collected. The analysis of the data was made by using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences programme, frequency analysis and t-test, and the results were added to the research in the presence of tables. As a result of the research, it was seen that the students participating in the research understood how to approach children in need of special education and also had high values as they expected this relationship to be established.
 Keywords: Inclusive education, special education, distance education, peer to peer;

The Effect of Peer Group-Based Training Using Health Belief Model on Quality of Life and Foot Ulcer Self-Care Behaviour in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Objective: The present study was aimed at investigating the effect of peer group-based training (PGBT) using the health belief model (HBM) on the quality of life (QOL) and foot ulcer self-care behavior in patients with type 2 diabetes. Materials and methods: The present study was a randomized controlled clinical trial performed on patients with type 2 diabetes who were referred to the Diabetic Care Clinic in Shiraz (Iran) from September 2019 to June 2020. A total of 70 patients participated in the study and were randomly assigned to peer training (n = 35) and control groups (n = 35). Diabetes Quality of Life, and diabetes self‑care behaviors, which were completed by both groups before, immediately, 1 month, and 3 months after the intervention. The data were analyzed using the Chi‑square test, paired t-test, independent t‑test, ANOVA, and descriptive statistical methods. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The results showed that mean scores of QOL, constructs of HBM (awareness, perceived susceptibility, perceives severity, perceived benefit, self-care behavior, and foot care) before the intervention did not reveal a significant difference between the two groups, but immediately one month after the educational intervention, the mean values for the intervention group were significantly higher than the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: PGBT using HBM was effective in increasing the mean score of QOL and self-care behavior in patients with type 2 diabetes. Thus, this method is recommended to be utilized alongside other methods to train patients.

Social participation of individuals with spinal injury using wheelchairs in rural Tanzania after peer training and entrepreneurial skills training

Background: Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) in less-resourced settings reported barriers to community integration, including inaccessible rehabilitation services, restricted environments and limited social integration. Peer training and entrepreneurial skills training are provided by Motivation, a nonprofit organisation, and Moshi Cooperative University to enhance occupational engagement of individuals with SCI in less-resourced settings. Objective: This study aimed to explore the impact of peer training and entrepreneurial skills training on the social participation of individuals with SCI living in Tanzania. Method: Using a qualitative photovoice approach, 10 participants captured meaningful photos and provided captions according to five standardised questions (PHOTO technique) to convey their messages. Participants selected up to 34 photos that best illustrated their experiences in the community. A mixed inductive–deductive thematic analysis was guided by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Results: Two interrelated themes emerged: (1) ‘influencing factors’, which revealed how participants’ inclusion in the community was influenced by their activities and personal and environmental factors and (2) ‘empowerment’, which highlighted participants’ desire to advocate and promote awareness of needs and hopes. Conclusion: Participants emphasised the importance of accessibility and equal opportunities. Whilst some were able to overcome obstacles, others experienced continued inaccessibility that inhibited meaningful occupations. Daily participation challenges of individuals with SCI in rural Tanzania were highlighted. Although the Motivation programmes were perceived to have powerful impacts on social participation, continued efforts and advocacy are needed to overcome accessibility issues and to meet the physical, psychological and social needs of Tanzanians living with SCI. Contribution: This article highlights the importance of accessibility and equal opportunities for individuals with disability living in rural Tanzania. Peer-training and entrepreneurial programs offer community-based rehabilitation services that were perceived by people with disabilities to have a powerful impact on social participation and vocation. However, continued efforts and advocacy are needed to meet the needs of Tanzanians living with spinal cord injury.

PHYSIOTHERAPISTS’ CURRENT KNOWLEDGE AND CLINICAL USE OF TOOLS TO PREDICT, MONITOR, EVALUATE THE TREATMENT OUTCOME AND CLASSIFY PATIENTS WITH SCIATICA IN GREECE: AN ONLINE SURVEY

Purpose: The use of evidence-based assessment tools is important to differentiate, give prognosis and guide the therapeutic approaches in sciatica. We aimed to evaluate whether physiotherapists’ knowledge and clinical practice in Greece are aligned with up-to-date research recommendations in the assessment of sciatica. Methods: An online-survey was developed, validated and disseminated in registered physiotherapists in Greece. The survey designed to capture physiotherapists’ demographic characteristics, knowledge and use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), classification systems and neurological tests in sciatica. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Results: 381 physiotherapists participated in the survey. Most of the participants reported that at least one or more of the proposed PROMs (85.5%), classification system (87%) or neurological tests (95%). 75.6% of responders use one or more PROMs during the management of patients with sciatica. Pain intensity evaluation tools are the most commonly used (35.9%) followed by disability or psychosocial evaluation scales (25.9% and 22.5%, respectively). 38.8% of participants use the McKenzie classification while almost 90% use common neurological examination tests (myotomes, sensory tests, reflexes, straight-leg-raise, slump and femoral slump test). No association was found between participants’ characteristics and number of assessment tools known or used. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that physiotherapy practice in Greece is aligned to research recommendations only in terms of delivering common neurological physical examination tests. The knowledge and clinical use of evidence-based tools to assess the treatment outcome and classify patients with sciatica is limited. Further training and organizational or peer support are required to improve the management of the condition.

Peer Support at the Intersection of Disability and Opioid (Mis)Use: Key Stakeholders Provide Essential Considerations.

Individuals with disabilities may experience higher rates of opioid/substance use disorders (OUD/SUD) than other individuals and are likely vulnerable to unmet treatment needs. Peer support may be beneficial to these individuals, given the evidence of benefits in target populations with similar needs and the potential for overcoming barriers to treatment suggested in the available literature. The objective of this exploratory study was to specify essential considerations in adapting peer support for this population. Diverse key stakeholders (n = 16) were interviewed to explore the experiences, needs, and available supports for individuals with disabilities and OUD/SUD. A Peer Support Work Group including members with lived experience advised each component of the study. Semi-structured interview data were content analyzed and memos generated to summarize themes related to the research question. Participants reported extensive professional and personal experience in human services, disability, and recovery. Emergent themes included the importance of accessibility and model fit, the notion of “peerness” and peer match, and essential aspects of peer recruitment, training, and support. An accessible, acceptable, effective model of peer support requires particular attention to the needs of this diverse and varied population, and the contexts in which they are identified, referred, and engaged in services.

Program seeks to grow workforce of peers for youths, families

A youth‐ and family‐focused center housed at the University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNCG) has announced the launch of a program to enhance peer support services targeting youths with mental health needs and their families. Details of the new initiative remain sketchy at this early stage, but a coordinator with the university's Center for Youth, Family and Community Partnerships told MHW that the program will strive to make trained peer support workers available to youth and families in all 100 North Carolina counties.

Psychometric Properties (Measurement Invariance and Latent Mean Difference across Gender) of the Learning Transfer Inventory System (LTIS) to Assess Thai Teachers' Learning Transfer of COVID-19 Prevention Guidance in the Classroom.

One of the most important ways to improve, update, and sustain teachers’ skills in an institution is via training. Nonetheless, despite the resources invested in training, learners’ mobilization of new learning after they return to work does not always reach expectations, in part because of a lack of learning transfer assessment tools. This study investigated the psychometric properties of the learning transfer inventory system (LTSI) in assessing the teachers’ transfer of COVID-19 prevention measures in Thai public school institutions. Participants were a sample of 700 in-service teachers (females = 54.8%; mean age = 36 years, SD = 15.41) who completed training on health code guidance for COVID-19 prevention in school. Results following confirmatory factor analysis, a test of the measurement invariance and measurement of the latent mean difference across gender, of the instrument yielded support for the hypothesized 16-factor structure. Empirical support for discriminant and convergent validity was strong. Additionally, we found a significant latent mean difference between male and female teachers related to the constructs peer support, supervisor sanction, and training design. The LTSI appears to yield valid and reliable scores for measuring the learning transfer of Thai teachers following in-service training.

Career versus volunteer firefighters: Differences in perceived availability and barriers to behavioral health care.

Due to occupational stress and exposure to potentially traumatic events, firefighters are at an increased risk for the development of many behavioral health conditions. While volunteer and career firefighters represent two distinct subgroups, little research has examined differences in the availability of, and barriers to, behavioral health care between these populations. This study examined perceived availability and barriers to behavioral health care services among 2,156 career and 227 volunteer firefighters. Volunteer firefighters were less likely to report availability of drug and alcohol or family and couple services, but more likely to report availability of a trained peer support system and follow-up care compared to career firefighters. Volunteer firefighters were over five times more likely to consider cost a barrier to accessing behavioral health services compared to career firefighters; however, they were less likely to report lack of support from leadership, fear of breach of confidentiality, and clinicians who are unaware of work culture as barriers. Volunteer and career firefighters were equally likely to report stigma as a barrier. These findings have important implications for understanding how to strengthen departmental resources and to design targeted interventions to increase access to behavioral health services. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Scoping review to evaluate the effects of peer support on the mental health of young adults

ObjectivesYoung adults report disproportionality greater mental health problems compared with the rest of the population with numerous barriers preventing them from seeking help. Peer support, defined as a form of...

Effectiveness of a Digital Peer Support Training Program Designed for Rapid Uptake Among Peer Support Specialists Pilot Study.

Peer telemental health recently became Medicaid reimbursable during the COVID-19 crisis, increasing the need for standardized training on digital peer support (DPS) services. DPS has the potential to reduce barriers to services and expand the reach of peer support specialists. The 4-h Digital Peer Support Training program was developed to train peer support specialists for rapid uptake in providing digital peer support during the COVID-19 crisis. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of the 4-h DPS course for peer support specialists. Surveys were administered to examine pre-post changes in DPS course for participants (N = 75) related to attitudes/ beliefs towards DPS, ability to use/ engage in DPS, and organizational readiness to implement DPS. Data were analyzed by conducting paired samples t-tests. Linear mixed models were used to explore significant results further. Statistically significant (< .05) changes were observed related to readiness to use DPS, attitudes/ beliefs towards DPS, and ability to use/ engage in DPS. The 4-h DPS course may be beneficial in providing diverse groups of peer support specialists with a standardized training framework. Widespread dissemination of the DPS short course may be beneficial in rapidly equipping peer support specialists with the skills and resources needed to expand the reach of peer support services during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond.