The value of peer support for self‐management of diabetes among veterans in the Empowering Patients In Chronic care intervention

Abstract

Aim To examine the value of peer support in the self-management of diabetes among veterans in an integrated health care system. Methods We conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with veterans and clinicians 6 months after their participation in Empowering Patients in Chronic Care (EPIC), a group-based diabetes intervention with a peer-support component. Interviews elicited clinicians' narratives of how peer support unfolded in the groups and veterans' experiences of giving and receiving support from their peers. Data analysis was guided by principles of framework analysis using Heisler's peer-support model. ResultsFindings support Heisler's peer-support model and provide evidence supporting professional-led group visits with peer exchange. Clinicians and veterans endorsed informational and emotional support received in EPIC groups. Clinicians often referred to EPIC as an open forum or a support group where veterans could both give and receive help. Veterans noted the benefits of shared problem-solving and the support they received. Clinicians and veterans perceived the peer-support component of EPIC as facilitating increased empowerment in terms of self-efficacy, increased perceived social support and increased understanding of self-care. Ultimately, many veterans acknowledged that their participation in EPIC facilitated improved health-related quality of life, improved health behaviours and improved chronic disease control.Conclusions Findings emphasize the value of peer support in managing chronic illness. Peer-support programmes may address veterans' unique challenges and have the potential to improve physical and mental health.

To support self‐management for people with long‐term conditions – The effect on shared decision‐making, empowerment and coping after participating in group‐learning sessions

“…The evidence base suggests that the benefits of participating in such interventions that support self‐management are less incidence of symptom distress and greater awareness of patients' condition, peer support, learning and improved self‐management strategies (Stenberg et al, 2016 ). Therefore, we conclude that the focus on peer‐support groups is to learn about how peers have taken control of their health and this empowered component may lead to an increased responsibility for self‐management of their condition (Arney et al, 2020 ; Lindblad et al, 2020 ), which strengthens the results of increased empowerment after attending group‐learning sessions.…”

Peer Mentoring as an Avenue to Explore in Kidney Transplantation: Kidney Transplant Recipients’ Perspectives on Peer Mentoring

“… 15 Peer mentoring has been found to improve patient empowerment 10 by enhancing autonomy, self-efficacy, and self-management skills. 16 Peer mentoring is also a way to have access to hard-to-reach patients, such as those from ethnic minorities or living in rural environments. 17 - 19 Peer mentoring could also have psychological benefits for mentors, such as increased feeling of well-being, self-esteem, self-efficacy, and improved quality of life.…”

Living Kidney Donation Stories and Advice Shared Through a Digital Storytelling Library: A Qualitative Thematic Analysis

“…Research on the benefits of peer mentoring generally has found increased discussion about self-management techniques and coping strategies. 38 , 39 Participants in a recent exploratory study on peer mentorship for posttransplant patients reported that peer support provided a convenient and user-friendly way to address transplant-related concerns. 40 Peer mentorship has also been shown to be a valuable way of creating a community to help alleviate loneliness and isolation, which is common among posttransplant patients.…”