Peer mentoring program through a digital platform for people with systemic sclerosis: A feasibility study

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Digital Health
• Patient Support

Background:

• Systemic sclerosis (SSc) presents significant physical and emotional challenges.
• Peer mentoring offers a promising avenue for support by leveraging shared experiences.
• Digital platforms can facilitate scalable delivery of peer support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of a 16-week digital peer mentoring program for individuals with SSc.
• To assess the potential health effects of this peer mentoring intervention on SSc patients.
• To determine the acceptability and usability of the digital platform for peer mentoring.

Main Methods:

• A one-group study design was employed to assess the 16-week program.
• Mentors and mentees were matched based on SSc characteristics and demographics.
• Feasibility was assessed using established criteria, while health outcomes and platform usability were measured at multiple time points.

Main Results:

• The digital peer mentoring program was found to be feasible, acceptable, and user-friendly for both mentors and mentees.
• Mentees reported a statistically significant reduction in anxiety levels post-intervention (p < 0.001).
• Trends towards improvement were noted in fatigue, pain interference, depressed mood, and resilience, though not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

• Digital peer mentoring is a well-received and feasible intervention for individuals with systemic sclerosis.
• Preliminary findings suggest potential health benefits, particularly in anxiety reduction, supporting its use for enhancing SSc patient well-being.
• This study provides a foundation for future research into digital peer mentoring interventions for SSc.