Peer Mentorship for Sickle Cell Disease

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

+3 other locations

Age: < 65

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: The Hospital for Sick Children

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?The iPeer2Peer Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) study matches youth (12-18 years of age) with SCD to a mentor (trained young adult) who has learned to manage their SCD well, transitioned to adult care, and can support youth participants emotionally and socially. Participants will be randomly assigned one of two groups, either (1) The intervention group: Study group participants are matched with a mentor for 15 weeks, and are expected to have up to ten calls with one another; (2) The control group: This study group will be on a 15 week waitlist to receive a mentor. This study will first assess the feasibility of conducting this research with youth with SCD. Also, this study will assess the preliminary effectiveness of peer mentorship by comparing various health outcomes of the two study groups post-intervention.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for English-speaking youths aged 12-18 with Sickle Cell Disease who have internet access and can use Skype. They should be diagnosed by a hematologist and willing to complete online measures. Those with major illnesses or cognitive impairments, or in other peer support programs cannot join.

Inclusion Criteria

Able to speak and read English

Diagnosed with SCD by a haematologist

Willing and able to complete online measures.

+2 more

Exclusion Criteria

You have major problems with thinking, remembering, or making decisions.

You have significant medical or mental health conditions that may affect your quality of life assessment.

You are already participating in other programs that provide support or help manage your condition.

Participant Groups

The iPeer2Peer program pairs young SCD patients with mentors who manage their condition well. Over 15 weeks, the intervention group will have up to ten calls with their mentor, while the control group waits for a mentor. The study aims to see if this is doable and how it affects health outcomes.

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: iPeer2Peer MentorshipExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

In addition to standard care, participants in the experimental group will receive the iPeer2Peer program, a peer mentorship program that will provide modelling and reinforcement of self-management by pre-screened and trained peer mentors (young adults with SCD aged 19-25 who have learned to function successfully with their condition). Mentors will encourage participants to develop and engage in self-management skills and provide social support.

Group II: Waitlist Control GroupActive Control1 Intervention

The control group participants will receive standard care and will be on a waitlist to receive the iPeer2Peer program until 15 weeks after completing their baseline questionnaires.