Developing and evaluating a young adult peer mentor training program

Improving self-management skills for adolescents and emerging adults (AEA) with chronic health conditions is critical for successful transition to adult-based care. Peer-mentoring has been effective in improving the self-management skills of AEA. However, the components of training a successful young adult peer mentors (YAPM), especially interpersonal aspects of the role, such as communication skills and navigating mentee ambivalence are not well understood. This descriptive study created and pilot-tested a training curriculum for YAPM as part of a larger study to build self-management skills in the context of healthcare transition from pediatric to adult care. Five YAPM completed the training curriculum. The curriculum included four components: 1) organizational policies and research ethics, 2) healthcare transition content and knowledge, 3) interpersonal training for the YAPM role with a focus on using Motivational Interviewing, and 4) ongoing support. Trainings included didactic, group activities, and formal simulation. YAPM rated the training components as useful, especially interpersonal training. Skill development during simulation was measured with a standardized observational coding system. Each YAPM improved in unique ways during simulation. Simulation materials are provided to allow for further development and application in future YAPM training development. This formal mentor training curriculum has the potential to clarify expectations, provide support, and help navigate the challenging interpersonal components of the YAPM role, thereby potentially increasing the effectiveness of YAPM communication with AEA to improve self-management skills.