Peer to Peer Mentoring: Facilitating Individuals With Early Inflammatory Arthritis to Manage Their Arthritis: Peer Mentoring Program

Peer to Peer Mentoring: Facilitating Individuals With Early Inflammatory Arthritis to Manage Their Arthritis: Peer Mentoring Program

Peer to Peer Mentoring: Facilitating Individuals With Early Inflammatory Arthritis to Manage Their Arthritis: Peer Mentoring Program

Inflammatory arthritis (IA) is a major cause of long-term disability. Peer support may be a solution to the common problem of delayed treatment. Early peer support may result in improved use of therapy, higher self-efficacy, reduced anxiety, and improved coping in the first two years post-diagnosis. The whole intervention study comprises of two parts: The first part involves the development and testing of a peer mentor training initiative, which is called "Peer to Peer Mentoring: Facilitating Individuals with Early Inflammatory Arthritis to Manage their Arthritis - Peer Mentor Training". The second part, which is the focus of this study, involves the delivery of a one-on-one peer support intervention from a trained peer mentor to an individual newly diagnosed with EIA. The feasibility and acceptability of the program will be determined, as well as the health outcomes following the participation of the program.

A quasi-experimental, before and after study design will obtain data for planning and implementing a larger-scale study. Exposures and outcomes will be measured at baseline, 3 months (immediate post 12-week program) and 6 months (3 months post-program). Ten individuals with EIA will be recruited by brief screening interviews to ensure they meet inclusion criteria. Each pair of peer mentor and EIA participant will meet at SHSC for an initial contact. EIA participants will receive informational, emotional and appraisal support from trained peer mentors by telephone or neutral private location at a time convenient for both parties, at least once a week for 12 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria: Have EIA disease duration within 6-52 weeks At least 3 swollen joints, assessed by the treating rheumatologist, OR positive compression test for the metacarpophalangeal joints OR positive compression test for the metatarsophalangeal joints OR at least 30 minutes of morning stiffness Prescription of a DMARD/biologic by the treating rheumatologist Ability to speak and understand English without the aid of a secondary support person; AND Capability to provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: IA disease duration less than 6 weeks or greater than 1 year Previous or ongoing DMARD or biologic treatment Inability to speak or read grade 6 English; AND Inability to provide informed consent

Sandhu S, Veinot P, Embuldeniya G, Brooks S, Sale J, Huang S, Zhao A, Richards D, Bell MJ. Peer-to-peer mentoring for individuals with early inflammatory arthritis: feasibility pilot. BMJ Open. 2013 Mar 1;3(3):e002267. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2012-002267.