Traumatic InjuryBurnsAmputationMental Health Outcomes
Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)
Cross-continuum Peer Support Program
Cross-continuum Peer Support Program: Trained trauma-survivor peer supporters (n=4), supported by a research team member; peers complete a 5-session training covering trauma-informed communication, boundaries, crisis de-escalation, self-care, and secondary trauma. Trauma survivors will be recruited in acute care and have the option to meeting once with a trained peer supporter prior to discharge to inpatient rehabilitation. In in-patient rehab they will attend 1 hour peer support group sessions facilitated by the trained peer supporters twice a week for a total of 3 weeks. Once discharged the community, they will attend 1 hour peer support group sessions facilitated by the trained peer supporters once a week for a total of 12 weeks.
Study summary
Traumatic injuries from events like car crashes, falls, or fires are a leading cause of disability. Survivors often face not only physical challenges but also long-lasting pain, mental health challenges and difficulty returning to work and family life. Although medical care focuses on physical recovery, survivors frequently report that their emotional and social needs are overlooked and unmet.
Peer support-guidance from people who have lived through similar injuries-can reduce distress and improve coping. However, no programs in Canada currently provide peer support to trauma survivors across their recovery journey, from hospital to rehabilitation to community living.
The investigators worked with trauma survivors, caregivers, and healthcare providers to co-design a Peer Support Program (PSP) that offers support throughout these stages. 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 to expand peer support in trauma care.
Eligibility
Sex
ALL
Min age
18 Years
Max age
—
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion Criteria:
* adult patients (18 years+) who have experienced an unintentional traumatic injury resulting in hospitalization at Sunnybrook and who will be discharged to inpatient rehabilitation at St. John's Rehab after acute care.
* must be able to communicate in English
Exclusion Criteria:
* patients who experienced: a) an intentional self-harm injury (because self-harm suggests a history of mental health issues prior to the trauma requiring specific psychiatric supports)
* patients who experienced: an injury caused by an intimate partner (because these injuries are typically underpinned by chronic exposure to domestic violence which requires interventions that promote patient safety and interrupt the pattern of violence)
* patients who experienced: a violently-acquired injury (as this patient population already receives specific clinical and social support through Sunnybrook's BReAking the Cycle of Violence with Empathy (BRAVE) program).
* patients with substantial cognitive impairment and a history of substance misuse if their HCPs indicate that either condition will impede the their ability to provide informed consent and/or participate safely in the trial
Primary outcome measure(s)
Feasibility of implementing the Peer Support Program — From recruitment to 3 months post intervention To determine the feasibility of implementing the Peer Support Program (PSP) for trauma survivors. We will measure the criteria below to establish feasibility. These feasibility goals were established with reference to another study our group conducted aimed at assessing the feasibility of a novel psychosocial group intervention for amputees.
* RECRUITMENT (proportion of eligible participants approached who consent-GOAL: ≥50%),
* WITHDRAWAL (proportion of study participants who withdraw from the study before the end of Phase II (Inpatient Rehabilitation)-GOAL: ≤ 25%)
* ADHERENCE (proportion of PSP sessions attended by participants-GOAL: ≥60%),
* RETENTION (proportion of participants who complete the program-GOAL: ≥60%);
* BASELINE SURVEYS (proportion of surveys completed-GOAL: ≥70%).
* POST-INTERVENTION SURVEY (proportion of surveys completed-GOAL: ≥60%):
* SURVEY AT 3 MONTH FOLLOW UP (proportion of surveys completed-GOAL: ≥50%):
Trial sites (2)
Facility
City
Region
Status
St. John's Rehab at Sunnybrook
Toronto
Ontario
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Toronto
Ontario
More Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre trials in Canada
This page summarises publicly available registry data for informational purposes — not medical advice. Eligibility is determined by each study team; patients should discuss participation with their clinician.
We use cookies to analyse site traffic and improve your experience. With your consent, we may also use cookies for advertising. You can change your choice at any time.