PeerOnCall: Evaluating Implementation of App-Based Peer Support in Canadian Public Safety Organizations

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Digital Health
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Public safety personnel (PSP) face elevated risks of posttraumatic stress injury (PSI).
• Barriers often hinder timely access to mental health support for PSP.
• Mobile health (mHealth) applications offer potential for confidential, on-demand support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the implementation of PeerOnCall, an mHealth platform developed for PSP.
• To identify facilitators and barriers to the adoption and use of the PeerOnCall app.

Main Methods:

• A multi-site mixed methods implementation trial across 42 Canadian public safety organizations.
• Tracking app usage via software analytics.
• Exploring implementation factors through interviews with organizational champions.

Main Results:

• Approximately 15% (1759/11,300+) of invited PSP downloaded the PeerOnCall app.
• Significant variation in app downloads and feature use across different sectors.
• Communication strategies and organizational culture influenced app uptake.

Conclusions:

• PeerOnCall is a promising tool for enhancing peer support access among PSP.
• Culturally relevant strategies are essential for overcoming implementation barriers.
• Integration into workplace practices requires further development and consideration.