Intensive training methods for peer volunteers who deliver a complex, psychosocial intervention in a phase III trial: PeNTAGOn — ASN Events
  1. Schedule
  2. IPOS Symposium - Exploring the role of peer support in psychosocial care: From research to practice
  3. Intensive training methods for peer volunteers who deliver a complex, psychosocial intervention in a phase III trial: PeNTAGOn

Intensive training methods for peer volunteers who deliver a complex, psychosocial intervention in a phase III trial: PeNTAGOn (#171)

Penelope Schofield 1 2 , Rebecca Bergin 1 2 , Ilona Juraskova 3 , Suzi Grogan 1 2 , Kate White 4 , Stella Bu 3 , Annette Beattie 5 , Meinir Krishnasamy 1 2 , Alison Hocking 2 , Sylvia Penberthy 1 2 , Taryn Robinson 2 , David Bernshaw 2 , Linda Mileshkin 1 2 , Sanchia Aranda 1 2 6
  1. Department of Cancer Experiences Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
  2. Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
  3. Centre for Medical Psychology and Evidence-based Decision-making (CeMPED), The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
  4. Cancer Nursing Research Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia
  5. Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, Australia
  6. Cancer Institute NSW, Sydney, Australia

Background

Non-pharmacological, complex intervention trials require strict adherence to study protocol.  Increasingly, peer volunteers are used to deliver these interventions.  This can only be successful if the intervention is delivered in a standard manner.

Objective

To describe and evaluate an intensive program of recruitment, training and supervision of peers (survivors of gynaecological cancer) delivering a telephone-based complex intervention in PeNTAGOn:Peer and Nurse support Trial to Assist women in Gynaecological Oncology.

Methods

A standardised manual was developed for peers specifying (a) the intervention content and (b) the training and supervision procedures.  Potential peers, after identification via gynaecological multidisciplinary team, were sent invitation letters. Those who expressed interest were interviewed by experts in peer volunteers.  Those identified as appropriate were invited to attend two-day training workshops which incorporated evidence-based modules on gynaecological cancer treatment and side-effects, psychosexual issues, promoting adherence to self-care and communication skills.  Training was facilitated by experts and emphasised adherence to protocol, confidentiality, boundaries and self-care. Interactive discussion, audio examples of intervention delivery and facilitated group role-play were used to deliver the training. Post-workshop peers completed practice phone calls with a simulated patient and received written and verbal feedback from a communications skills expert. Ongoing supervision of intervention sessions is being provided.

Results

17 peers have completed training. In pre-training questionnaires, peers expected to develop communication skills and improve knowledge of gynaecological cancers. In post-workshop evaluations, all participants reported improved understanding of the research project and key communication skills. The most valuable aspect of training was interaction with fellow participants. Satisfaction with training activities and facilitators was very high, with >90% reporting “highly agree” to statements “the training sessions met my needs” and “the trainers had good knowledge of the subject material”. Content analysis of peer phone calls demonstrated good adherence to study protocol and use of communication skills.

Conclusions

A rigorous, multi-stage process of recruitment, training and supervision for peers delivering a psychosocial intervention was designed and found to be acceptable and effective. Such programs underpin standardizing the delivery of complex interventions and are critical to the success of these types of trials.