Protocol for a feasibility study of a peer support program for trauma survivors

Area of Science:

• Trauma care
• Psychosocial interventions
• Peer support programs

Background:

• Traumatic injuries often lead to significant mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
• Peer support offers a unique benefit through lived experience, comparable to cognitive behavioral therapy.
• A cross-continuum peer support program (PSP) for trauma survivors has not yet been piloted.

Purpose of the Study:

• Assess the acceptability, feasibility, and satisfactoriness of a co-designed PSP.
• Evaluate the PSP's preliminary impact on trauma patients' health and social outcomes.
• Explore the PSP's effects on clinical practice, administrative procedures, and patient care.

Main Methods:

• Feasibility determined by recruitment, adherence, and retention rates.
• Participants complete outcome surveys at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months post-intervention.
• Qualitative interviews and focus groups with survivors and healthcare providers explore program impact.

Main Results:

• The study aims to demonstrate the feasibility and success of a cross-continuum PSP.
• Preliminary data suggests potential for ameliorating psychosocial health and well-being outcomes.
• The PSP has the potential to reduce adverse psychosocial health outcomes in trauma survivors.

Conclusions:

• There is a clear need for a comprehensive PSP for trauma survivors.
• Peer support initiatives have shown success in improving psychosocial outcomes in other populations.
• This feasibility trial may establish a successful, cross-continuum PSP model for trauma survivors.