Title: Mixed methods pilot feasibility study of an online peer navigation intervention for youth with childhood-onset disabilities
Funder: Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
Role: Nominated Principal Investigator: Munce, S; Co-Principal Investigators: Toulany A, Pachneris K, Bayley MT; Co-Investigators: Archibald M, Dimitropoulos G, Kokorelias K, Nelson M, Penner M, Seto E, Simpson R.
Study summary: Transitioning from the youth to adult health care for adolescence with disabilities is a complex. Unsuccessful transition can lead to poor health outcomes and less opportunities to participate in the community. The best programs for this transition are unknown, however peer navigation intervention involving trained peers assisting with education, advocacy, and system navigation shows potential. As a follow-up, the team interviewed youth with cerebral palsy (CP) and childhood acquired brain injury (ABI) and family members to identify their needs for this intervention. Their needs are now being integrated into a virtual care platform to form called CONNECT: Compassionate Online NavigatioN to Enhance Care Transitions. Our project aims to test CONNECT with a small group of youth to assess feasibility, benefits, and participant experiences.