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BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
Peer visitation (PV) provides individuals dealing with a particular injury an opportunity to interact with a peer who has survived or managed a similar injury. The power of PV is well-explained by social learning theory: through observation of successful role models we increase self-efficacy and learn specific actions and coping strategies. PV has been reported to be beneficial by a range of injured/ill persons, including those with brain injury, cancer, burns, and amputation. Recipients of PV endorse decreased isolation, increased optimism, increased coping ability, and increased knowledge of treatment options and resources as benefits. The Amputee Coalition of America (ACA) has a well-developed nationally-based PV program for amputees. Written PV and PV trainer manuals provide the backbone of the ACA’s standardized training and certification system. The ACA’s manuals and training model were originally developed for civilians with limb loss, but have been successfully adapted for several other populations, including OIF/OEF service members with amputation at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and caregivers of people with limb loss. Enter text here.
OBJECTIVE(S):
Objectives: The overall goal of this proposal is to lay a foundation for PV within the VHA by adapting the ACA’s established PV written materials for veterans of OIF/OEF polytrauma/blast-related injury and for their caregivers. The written materials form the backbone of a PV program, by providing a standardized means by which to identify, train, educate and evaluate PV trainers and PVs. Once written materials are completed, we can proceed with the implementation of a PV program in the context of an intervention study. Specific Objective # 1: Develop PV manual for OIF/OEF polytrauma veterans and their caregivers to be used in structured PV training. These manuals will include detailed training exercises (e.g., self-assessments, role playing, practice PV sessions) to complete during the requisite 1-day PV training, as well as background information to enhance the knowledge of the PV and resource materials to copy/distribute to the people they visit once certified as a PV. Specific Objective # 2: Develop PV Trainer manual. Designed for allied health professionals who will be certified PV trainers of both veterans and caregivers, this manual will include detailed course outlines and lesson plans for training PVs , background information on adult learning and relevant content areas (e.g., TBI) and guidelines for selecting, evaluating, and certifying PVs (including standardized evaluation forms). Enter text here.
METHODS:
METHODS: Four core investigators will adapt ACA materials for persons with OIF/OEF combat-related PT/BRI and their caregivers based on a Participatory Action Research (PAR) model. Procedures: With guidance from Drs. Steven Scott, Co-Clinical Cordinator of the PT/BRI QUERI, a diverse group of OIF/OEF veterans (n=6), caregivers (n=6), and professionals (n=10) with relevant expertise is being assembled to serve as an Advisory Panel. Panel members are being systematically interviewed to identify areas of importance specific to the intended audience. Based on this input and a background literature review, we will revise the materials, and then circulate the draft to panel members for review/approval.
FINDINGS/RESULTS:
No results at this time.
IMPACT:
Immediately upon completion of this project, we will be poised to train PV trainers and identify PVs within the VA, ideally in the context of a Merit Review funded multi-site empirical trial. We anticipate close collaboration with the QUERI team to ensure that the materials developed in this proposal are efficiently delivered and carefully evaluated.
PUBLICATIONS:
None at this time.
DRA:
Military and Environmental Exposures
DRE:
Rehabilitation, Quality of Care
Keywords:
Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom
MeSH Terms:
none
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