Prioritizing mentors in a peer-to-peer support program for young adult transplant recipients: a qualitative account of mentors' experience to inform success and sustainability.

Résumé

OBJECTIVE: The iPeer2Peer© (iP2P©) program is an online peer mentorship program that has been successfully used for adolescents and young adults with chronic illness. This paper explores the experiences of young adult thoracic transplant recipients who acted as peer mentors in the iP2P© program. Objectives are to comprehensively understand the iP2P© mentor experience and identify recommendations for program refinement and sustainability.METHODS: A qualitative description approach was used. Mentors, ages 18-25 years, were heart or lung transplant recipients who had successfully transitioned to adult care and self-managed their condition. Paired mentor-mentee dyads engaged in 5-10 video or phone calls and exchanged text messages over a 15-week period. Following program completion, a focus group with follow-up interviews and in-depth interviews was conducted. Thematic data analysis led to theme development through an iterative process with consensus among team members.RESULTS: A total of nine participants completed mentor training and were matched with at least one mentee. Mentors (89% female) were aged 21.2 ± 2.2 years (range 18-24 years). Seven had received a heart transplant, two had received a lung transplant, and their mean time post-transplant was 8.5 ± 5.2 years. Qualitative findings illuminated three themes: (1) Gaining connection and support through shared experiences, (2) Carrying the responsibility of providing impactful mentorship, and (3) Nurturing reflection and positive self-growth through helping mentees.CONCLUSIONS: This study provides novel insights into how mentorship programs can be designed to balance the emotional and logistical demands of mentorship while maximizing its mutual benefits for mentors and mentees.