The spinal cord injury (SCI) peer support evaluation tool: the development of a tool to assess outcomes of peer support programs within SCI community-based organizations

Spinal Cord, 2024 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41393-024-01033-1 · Published: September 23, 2024

Spinal Cord Injury Social Support Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

This study addresses the need for a standardized tool to evaluate peer support programs for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) in community-based organizations. The researchers developed and tested the SCI Peer Support Evaluation Tool, a 20-item questionnaire designed to assess key outcomes of peer support, such as reduced isolation, improved SCI knowledge, and enhanced coping skills. The tool was developed through a rigorous process involving literature reviews, expert consensus, and feedback from people with SCI and community-based organizations, ensuring its relevance and validity for use in real-world settings.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

People with SCI (mentees, mentors/supporters), staff of community-based organizations

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The study identified 20 key outcomes of SCI peer support, which formed the basis of the SCI Peer Support Evaluation Tool.
2
The resulting SCI Peer Support Evaluation Tool consists of 20 single-item questions to assess 20 outcomes of SCI peer support.
3
The evaluation tool demonstrated content and face validity, as well as acceptable test-retest reliability, indicating that it is a reliable and relevant measure of peer support outcomes.

Research Summary

This study describes the development and testing of the SCI Peer Support Evaluation Tool, a new instrument designed to assess the outcomes of peer support programs for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) in community-based organizations. The tool was developed through a multi-stage process involving literature reviews, Delphi consensus, quality assessment, and feedback from stakeholders, including people with SCI and community-based organizations. The resulting 20-item SCI Peer Support Evaluation Tool demonstrated content and face validity and acceptable test-retest reliability, making it a valuable resource for evaluating and improving SCI peer support programs.

Practical Implications

Improved Program Evaluation

The SCI Peer Support Evaluation Tool provides a standardized and reliable way for community-based organizations to evaluate the effectiveness of their peer support programs.

Enhanced Funding Opportunities

By providing evidence-based data on the impact of SCI peer support, the tool can support funding applications and help ensure the sustainability of these programs.

Informed Program Development

The tool can help identify the strengths and weaknesses of existing programs, guiding community-based organizations on how to optimize SCI peer support delivery.

Study Limitations

1
Convergent or predictive validity was not assessed.
2
The development of this evaluation tool was conducted in a community-based Canadian context.
3
Single-item measures have their limitations.

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