Implementation Evaluation of an Online Peer-Mentor Training Program for Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury

Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil, 2019 · DOI: 10.1310/sci19-00002 · Published: December 1, 2019

Spinal Cord Injury Healthcare Social Support

Simple Explanation

Community-based SCI organizations offer support for community integration, including emotional, psychological, employment, education, and training aspects, with peer mentoring highlighted as a critical need. Peer mentoring, an evidence-based approach, involves a relationship between individuals sharing common characteristics where one provides assistance and support, positively impacting participation and life satisfaction. An online peer-mentor training program was implemented to improve and standardize training practices across Canada, with evaluation focusing on context, barriers, facilitators, and influence on service delivery.

Study Duration

June 2014 and finished in August 2016

Participants

Staff of four provincial member associations of SCI Canada, peer mentors

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Participants displayed a generally positive attitude toward evidence-based practices and organizational readiness for change, with peer support being central to SCI Canada's mission.
2
A significant obstacle was the scarcity of resources within the association, specifically those dedicated to program implementation, which competed with other priorities.
3
The implementation process influenced approximately half of the implementation determinant types on potential peer mentors, particularly their knowledge and organizational characteristics.

Research Summary

The study explored the implementation of a peer-mentor training program within SCI Canada, finding a positive context for implementing evidence-based practices, although resource constraints pose challenges. Facilitators for implementation primarily related to the characteristics of the online peer-mentor program and the internal context of provincial associations. The implementation process was found to positively influence many determinants of the implementation for individuals who undergo the training.

Practical Implications

Resource Allocation

Allocate specific financial and human resources to support successful implementation of online peer-mentor training.

Stakeholder Prioritization

Ensure the peer-mentor training is prioritized among stakeholders to mitigate the challenges of competing activities.

Training Optimization

Optimize online training modules to induce more significant changes in individual determinants of implementation behavior.

Study Limitations

1
Potential contamination in interpretation due to close collaboration with the steering committee.
2
Geographic diversity may reduce sensitivity of findings regarding provincial variations.
3
Mentees who received peer training from the peers who were trained online were not surveyed.

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