Peer Support Program for Traumatic Injury

Not yet recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Logan Reis, MsC

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Disqualifiers: Self-harm, Domestic violence, Cognitive impairment, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new Peer Support Program designed to aid recovery from traumatic injuries, such as those from car crashes or falls. The goal is to determine if support from someone with a similar injury can assist with emotional and social recovery, beyond just the physical aspect. The Cross-continuum Peer Support Program will be evaluated for effectiveness and participant satisfaction. It seeks adults who have experienced a traumatic injury, received treatment at Sunnybrook, and will transition to St. John's Rehab. Participants must communicate in English and must not have sustained injuries from self-harm, domestic violence, or violent crime. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative recovery methods that could benefit future patients.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It focuses on peer support for recovery from traumatic injuries.

What prior data suggests that this Peer Support Program is safe for trauma survivors?

Research shows that peer support programs can safely and effectively assist trauma survivors. In these programs, individuals with similar experiences provide guidance and emotional support. Studies have found that this support can reduce distress and improve coping mechanisms.

The Peer Support Program being tested has no known safety issues. Because the program emphasizes emotional and social support rather than medical treatment, it avoids the typical side effects associated with medications or medical procedures. Participants in similar programs have reported positive experiences, feeling more understood and supported during their recovery. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Cross-continuum Peer Support Program because it offers a unique approach to supporting individuals with traumatic injuries. Unlike traditional treatments that often focus solely on medical interventions, this program emphasizes emotional and social support by connecting patients with peers who have faced similar challenges. This peer-to-peer interaction aims to enhance recovery by providing relatable guidance and encouragement throughout the healing process. By integrating this personal support system, the program could potentially improve mental health outcomes and overall quality of life for patients beyond what standard medical treatments achieve.

What evidence suggests that this Peer Support Program is effective for traumatic injury recovery?

Research has shown that peer support programs positively affect the mental and emotional recovery of trauma survivors. Studies indicate that both survivors and caregivers appreciate these programs, as they improve mental and social well-being. By connecting with others who have had similar experiences, survivors often feel comforted, which can reduce distress and enhance coping skills. Although peer support is not yet widely available for trauma survivors in Canada, early findings suggest it can be a valuable addition to traditional medical care. This approach may help meet emotional and social needs often overlooked during recovery. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Marina Wasilewski, PhD

Principal Investigator

St. John's Rehab Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for trauma survivors who have experienced injuries such as nerve damage, severe burns, or amputation and are dealing with physical and mental health challenges. The program aims to help them cope better throughout their recovery journey.

Inclusion Criteria

I am an adult who was hospitalized at Sunnybrook due to an injury and will go to St. John's Rehab next.

Must be able to communicate in English

Exclusion Criteria

Patients who experienced an intentional self-harm injury

Patients who experienced an injury caused by an intimate partner

Patients who experienced a violently-acquired injury

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Peer Support Program Implementation

Implementation of the Peer Support Program (PSP) for trauma survivors, focusing on feasibility and acceptability

Up to 2 weeks

Multiple sessions (in-person and virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for the impact of the Peer Support Program on recovery, including coping self-efficacy, community reintegration, and PTSD symptoms

3 months

Surveys at 2 weeks and 3 months post intervention

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Cross-continuum Peer Support Program

Trial Overview

The study is testing a Peer Support Program (PSP) designed with input from past trauma survivors and healthcare professionals. It offers guidance across all stages of recovery to see if it's helpful and can be integrated into care.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Single-arm pilot feasibility study Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

To evaluate implementation and preliminary impact prior to a future RCT.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Lead Sponsor

Trials

693

Recruited

1,569,000+

Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)

Collaborator

Trials

1,417

Recruited

26,550,000+

Citations

1.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40088551/

A qualitative study of traumatic injury survivor, caregiver ...

Our study demonstrates that peer support is valued across stakeholders and has the potential to positively impact the psychosocial health of trauma survivors

2.

sciencedirect.com

sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0020138325001196

A qualitative study of traumatic injury survivor, caregiver ...

Our study demonstrates that peer support is valued across stakeholders and has the potential to positively impact the psychosocial health of trauma survivors ...

3.

injuryjournal.com

injuryjournal.com/article/S0020-1383(25)00118-4/fulltext

Integrating peer support across the continuum of trauma care

Peers can provide valuable psychosocial support rooted in lived experience. The savings associated with peer support largely outweigh the costs.

4.

clinicaltrials.gov

clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07275892

Pilot Feasibility Trial of a Peer Support Program for Trauma ...

This pilot study will test whether the program is feasible and acceptable, and explore its early impact on recovery. Results will guide a future larger trial

5.

eprints.gla.ac.uk

eprints.gla.ac.uk/272817/2/272817.pdf

Peer Support for Traumatic Injury Survivors: A Scoping Review

A survey of community organizations that provided peer support revealed that the programs were operating with fewer than the desired number of peer mentors

6.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40088552/

Integrating peer support across the continuum of trauma care

When designing peer support programming, we must consider who would benefit from support, what support should consist of, and ideal timing and mode of ...

7.

eprints.gla.ac.uk

eprints.gla.ac.uk/351805/1/351805.pdf

A qualitative study of traumatic injury survivor, caregi

Future development of a cross-continuum peer support program will consider how to connect peers early on after injury and sustain these.