Using peer mentors to help young people transition to adult eating disorder treatment
Examining the Impact of Peer Mentors on Individuals Transitioning to Adult Eating Disorder Treatment: A Feasibility Study
This study is testing whether pairing young people with eating disorders, aged 16-24, with trained peer mentors can help them transition to adult treatment more smoothly.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 49 (estimated) |
| Ages | 16 Years to 24 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Nova Scotia Health Authority Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Halifax, Nova Scotia) |
| Trial ID | NCT05543044 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This feasibility study focuses on individuals aged 16-24 with eating disorders who are transitioning to adult-oriented treatment in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, or Prince Edward Island. Participants will be paired with trained peer mentors for a 3-6 month intervention aimed at improving their transition experience. The study will utilize both quantitative and qualitative methods, including pre- and post-intervention questionnaires and interviews to assess the effectiveness and acceptability of the peer mentor approach. Screening for eligibility will involve structured clinical interviews and assessments of suicide risk.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are males and females aged 16-24 with a diagnosed eating disorder who are transitioning to adult treatment.
Not a fit: Patients who are not transitioning to adult treatment or those with high suicide risk may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could enhance the transition experience for young individuals with eating disorders, potentially leading to better treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While peer mentorship in healthcare is a growing field, this specific approach for transitioning young adults with eating disorders is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
TAY Inclusion Criteria: * Meets one of the following criteria: * 'Aging out' of youth-oriented ED treatment at 19 years-old and unlikely to achieve remission prior to leaving the program (as determined by their clinician\[s\]) * Have been deemed incompatible with traditional youth-oriented ED treatment (based on established youth-oriented ED treatment criteria, and determined by their clinician\[s\]) * Have requested and/or had a carer request a transition to adult-oriented ED treatment * Have been self-referred or referred to adult ED treatment by a clinician (even if they have not been involved in youth-oriented ED treatment) * Aged 16-24 years old * Meets criteria for DSM-5 diagnosis of an ED, as confirmed by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Research Version (SCID-5-RV) * Virtually signed informed consent form TAY Exclusion Criteria: * Insufficient knowledge of English * Moderate to high suicide risk rating at screening as assessed by the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (CSSRS; at the discretion of the PI) Carer Inclusion Criteria: * Identified by a TAY participant as a carer * Aged 18 or older * Virtually signed informed consent form Carer Exclusion Criteria: • Insufficient knowledge of English PM Inclusion Criteria: * Certified PM with EDNS * Providing PM support to TAY study participants * Virtually signed informed consent form PM Exclusion Criteria: • Insufficient knowledge of English
Where this trial is running
Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Abbie J Lane Memorial Building - QEII — Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Aaron K Keshen — Nova Scotia Health Authority
- Study coordinator: Aaron K Keshen, MD,FRCPC
- Email: Aaron.Keshen@nshealth.ca
- Phone: (902)473-6288
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.