Online peer support mentorship for teens with heart failure

Implementation and Preliminary Effectiveness Evaluation of the iPeer2Peer Support Mentorship Program for Adolescent and Transitioning Heart Function Patients

This study is testing an online program that connects teens with heart failure to young adult mentors to see if their support helps the teens manage their condition better.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 55 (estimated)
• Ages: 12 Years to 30 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: The Hospital for Sick Children (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Toronto, Ontario)
• Trial ID: NCT05709132 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The iPeer2Peer (iP2P) program is designed to provide online peer support mentorship for adolescents aged 12-17 with heart failure. This pilot randomized controlled trial will pair trained young adult mentors (ages 18-25) with mentees to foster disease self-management skills through video calls and text messaging over a 15-week period. The program aims to enhance adherence to treatment and improve overall health outcomes by leveraging the shared experiences of peers. Data will be collected at three time points to assess the effectiveness of the mentorship.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 12-17 with a cardiac diagnosis who are at least 4 months post-diagnosis and can communicate in English.

Not a fit: Patients who are not able to engage in English communication or are not within the specified age range may not benefit from this program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve self-management and adherence to treatment in adolescent heart failure patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with peer support interventions in chronic conditions, suggesting potential for positive outcomes in this novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Mentee inclusion criteria:

1. patient with a cardiac diagnosis,
2. at least 4 months post-diagnosis,
3. between the ages of 12 and 17 years,
4. able to speak and read English, and
5. willingness to commit to 5-10 texts and/or calls of 20-30 minutes each with a peer mentor over a period of 15 weeks.

Mentor inclusion criteria:

1. patient with a cardiac diagnosis,
2. between the ages of 18 and 30 years,
3. able to speak and read English,
4. nominated by a member of their health care team as a good mentor based on maturity and emotional stability,
5. willingness to commit to peer mentor training (20 hours) via the PHIPA-compliant version of Zoom or Microsoft Teams and mentoring adolescent participants (once paired with mentee, 5-10 texts and/or calls of 20-30 minutes over a period of 15 weeks),
6. good communication skills (as assessed by a healthcare provider), and
7. previous experience in a professional environment (e.g., as a camp counsellor, part time job, volunteering) is an asset.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. significant cognitive impairments as assessed by a qualified healthcare provider,
2. a diagnosis of an active psychological disorder (e.g., Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder) likely to influence assessment of health-related quality of life and/or interfere with their ability to manage their heart failure care regimen (a diagnosis of an active psychological disorder will be determined for mentees through medical chart review and self-reported by mentors), and
3. participating in other peer support or self-management interventions.

Where this trial is running

Toronto, Ontario

• The Hospital for Sick Children — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Samantha J Anthony, PhD — The Hospital for Sick Children
• Study coordinator: Samantha J Anthony, PhD

Conditions Heart Failure; Peer Support Mentorship; Pediatrics; Adherence; Cardiomyopathy