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

• Published in: Journal of scleroderma and related disorders 2024-11, p.23971983241295911
• Main Authors: Chen, Yen T, Shah, Nirali, Alore, Mary, Hicks, Sheri, Vann, Nadia, Hotz, Stephanie, Pape, Adam, Sabbagh, Maya, Cunningham, Melissa, Khanna, Dinesh, Murphy, Susan L
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Original
• ISSN: 2397-1983; 2397-1991; 2397-1991
• DOI: 10.1177/23971983241295911

People with systemic sclerosis (SSc or scleroderma), a rare chronic autoimmune disease, often face significant physical and emotional challenges. Peer mentoring, where someone with similar lived experiences offers guidance and support, shows promise in enhancing the well-being of recipients and may benefit individuals with systemic sclerosis. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and potential health effects of peer mentoring through a digital platform for people with systemic sclerosis. We conducted a one-group study to evaluate a 16-week peer mentoring program for people with systemic sclerosis. Mentors and mentees were matched by demographics and systemic sclerosis characteristics. Feasibility was evaluated using Orsmond and Cohn criteria: recruitment, data collection, acceptability, available resources, and participant responses to the program. Perceptions and usability of the peer mentoring program through a digital platform were assessed at week 16 (post-program). The health effects of peer mentoring were measured at baseline, week 8, and week 16. Five trained mentors and 15 mentees were enrolled. Each mentor was paired with 2-4 mentees. We found that peer mentoring through a digital platform was feasible, acceptable, and had good usability for both mentors and mentees. Mentees reported significantly less anxiety at week 16 (