The iPeer2Peer Program: a pilot randomized controlled trial in adolescents with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Abstract

Background: Adolescents with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) are at risk for physical, emotional, social and role challenges that negatively impact quality of life. Peer mentoring has been shown to improve positive health behaviours in adolescents with chronic disease while simultaneously providing social support. The objectives of this paper are to examine the feasibility and acceptability of an online peer mentoring program (iPeer2Peer Program) for adolescents with JIA. Methods: The iPeer2Peer program was examined using a waitlist pilot randomized control trial (RCT). Participants were randomly allocated to the intervention or wait-list control group via a secure, web-based randomization service. Health care providers and investigators were blinded to participant group allocation. Trained peer mentors (16-25 years; successfully managing their JIA) were matched to participants (12-18 years; diagnosed with JIA) randomized to the intervention group to provide peer support and education for effective self-management of JIA. Participantmentor pairings connected ten times over 8 weeks using Skype video calls. Primary outcomes focused on implementation (i.e. measures of feasibility and acceptability). Secondary outcomes focused on effectiveness (i.e. measures of self-management, self-efficacy, pain, social support and quality of life).

Gaps in Mental Health Care for Youth With Rheumatologic Conditions: A Mixed Methods Study of Perspectives From Behavioral Health Providers

“…Additionally, given the interest from >80% of surveyed social workers to facilitate peer support programs for both adolescent patients and parents/caregivers, they could be utilized to establish ongoing peer relationships as a potentially sustainable coping strategy for illness‐related distress. For example, social workers may have a potential role in assisting with online peer support programs such as iPeer2Peer, which has been successfully piloted in adolescents with JIA . Lastly, social workers are often key facilitators in the transition from pediatric to adult care , and they could provide mental health support during this critical time.…”

A systematic review on randomized controlled trials: Coaching elements of digital services to support chronically ill adolescents during transition of care

“…The theory‐based strategies (Ammerlaan et al, ; Bonnert et al, ; Freeman et al, ; Hanberger et al, ; Harris et al, ; Huang et al, ; Joseph et al, ; Newcombe et al, ; Rikkers‐Mutsaerts et al, ) aimed for behaviour change, supporting self‐management and motivation. Only three studies stated no theoretical background although the aim was similar as in theory‐based interventions (Breakey et al, ; Stinson et al, , ) (Table ).…”

“… Ammerlaan et al (), Bonnert at al. (), Breakey et al (), Hanberger et al (), Huang et al (), Rikkers‐Mutsaerts et al (), Stinson et al (, ). …”

Impact of Rheumatic Disease on Social Development in Adolescents and Young Adults

“…Peer support from other AYA with similar RMDs can provide meaningful emotional and social support due to a shared understanding of living with a chronic unpredictable disease, reducing isolation and negating the problems in support from friends without a RMD diagnosis (32). This support can involve discussions around acknowledging and overcoming concerns for the future (education, occupation or relationships), strategies around taking medication, and developing positive lifestyles in terms of physical activity and psychological wellbeing through goal-setting and action-planning (33). This can be disease specific or regarding areas indirectly impacted such as school/work and social life.…”