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Social Science & Medicine (1982) Mar 2023Since the first wave of COVID-19 in March 2020 the number of people living with post-COVID syndrome has risen rapidly at global pace, however, questions still remain as... (Review)
Review
Since the first wave of COVID-19 in March 2020 the number of people living with post-COVID syndrome has risen rapidly at global pace, however, questions still remain as to whether there is a hidden cohort of sufferers not accessing mainstream clinics. This group are likely to be constituted by already marginalised people at the sharp end of existing health inequalities and not accessing formal clinics. The challenge of supporting such patients includes the question of how best to organise and facilitate different forms of support. As such, we aim to examine whether peer support is a potential option for hidden or hardly reached populations of long COVID sufferers with a specific focus on the UK, though not exclusively. Through a systematic hermeneutic literature review of peer support in other conditions (57 papers), we evaluate the global potential of peer support for the ongoing needs of people living with long COVID. Through our analysis, we highlight three key peer support perspectives in healthcare reflecting particular theoretical perspectives, goals, and understandings of what is 'good health', we call these: biomedical (disease control/management), relational (intersubjective mutual support) and socio-political (advocacy, campaigning & social context). Additionally, we identify three broad models for delivering peer support: service-led, community-based and social media. Attention to power relations, social and cultural capital, and a co-design approach are key when developing peer support services for disadvantaged and underserved groups. Models from other long-term conditions suggest that peer support for long COVID can and should go beyond biomedical goals and harness the power of relational support and collective advocacy. This may be particularly important when seeking to reduce health inequalities and improve access for a potentially hidden cohort of sufferers.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome; Hermeneutics; Delivery of Health Care; Peer Group
PubMed: 36708608
DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.115669 -
Canadian Medical Education Journal Dec 2020Medical residents may experience burnout during their training, and a lack of social support. This can impact their overall wellbeing and ability to master key... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Medical residents may experience burnout during their training, and a lack of social support. This can impact their overall wellbeing and ability to master key professional competencies. We explored, in this study, the extent to which peer mentorship promotes psychosocial wellbeing and the development of professional competencies in medical residency education.
METHODS
We searched six databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Academic Research Complete, ERIC, Education Research Complete) for studies on peer mentoring relationships in medical residency. We selected any study where authors reported on outcomes associated with peer mentoring relationships among medical residents. We applied no date, language, or study design limits to this review.
RESULTS
We included nine studies in this systematic review. We found that medical residents received essential psychosocial supports from peers, and motivation to develop academic and career competencies. Medical residents in peer-mentoring relationships also reported increased overall satisfaction with their residency training programs.
CONCLUSIONS
Peer-mentoring relationships can enhance the development of key professional competencies and coping mechanisms in medical residency education. Further rigorous research is needed to examine the comparative benefits of informal and formal peer mentoring, and identify best practices with respect to effective design of peer-mentorship programs.
PubMed: 33349761
DOI: 10.36834/cmej.68751 -
International Journal of Environmental... Jan 2023In adolescence, peer relationships become crucial since youths start to rely on their peers for support. Thus, multiple facets of adolescents' well-being are affected by... (Review)
Review
In adolescence, peer relationships become crucial since youths start to rely on their peers for support. Thus, multiple facets of adolescents' well-being are affected by their peer relationships. In this vein, one of the central well-being aspects that could be affected by the peer relationships of adolescents is sleep quality. Nevertheless, it is still unclear how multiple peer relationship factors (i.e., positive, negative, emotional, and behavioral issues related to peer relationships) are intertwined with adolescents' sleep quality. For this reason, this systematic review with meta-analysis aims to summarize longitudinal studies to uncover how the interplay between peer relationship factors and adolescents' sleep quality unfolds over time. Nineteen longitudinal studies involving a total of 21,232 adolescents were included. Overall, findings from this review showed that (a) positive peer relationships and sleep quality were not associated over time; (b) negative peer relationships and sleep quality were bidirectionally associated over time; (c) few studies evaluated the bidirectional relations between emotional and behavioral issues and sleep quality, showing links with sleep schedule and duration, but not with sleep quality. Meta-analytic results were discussed, considering their implications.
Topics: Adolescent; Humans; Adolescent Behavior; Emotions; Interpersonal Relations; Longitudinal Studies; Peer Group; Sleep; Sleep Quality
PubMed: 36767384
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032017 -
Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters Dec 2020In the context of a growing adolescent population globally, it is imperative to understand which interventions will most effectively advance their sexual and...
In the context of a growing adolescent population globally, it is imperative to understand which interventions will most effectively advance their sexual and reproductive health (SRH). In India and globally, peer education is often utilised as an intervention for promoting the SRH of young people. Globally, the evidence of its effectiveness is mixed. A systematic review of the literature from the Indian context gave insight into the knowledge, attitudinal, and behavioural (KAB) outcomes affected by peer education, as well as the inputs, coverage, content, and context of such interventions. Out of the over 1500 publications initially identified through the database and bibliographic searches, 13 were included in the review; no quality assessment was done, given the dearth of publications matching the inclusion criteria. Analysis of the included publications highlights the multiple ways that peer education is implemented in the Indian context, as part of multi-component programmes and as a stand-alone intervention. The KAB outcomes from these initiatives are mixed, with some multi-component and some stand-alone initiatives affecting statistically significant outcomes and others not-a finding consistent with global literature reviewed for this paper. Despite the mixed results and the limited effects of behaviour relative to knowledge, this paper proposes that peer education has a place in an overall response to improving the SRH of young people. It calls for better research on peer education in India, and for research in relation to the optimal conditions for peer education to succeed in affecting KAB and other outcomes.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Contraception Behavior; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; India; Information Seeking Behavior; Male; Peer Group; Reproductive Health; Sex Education; Sexual Behavior; Sexual Health; Young Adult
PubMed: 32372723
DOI: 10.1080/26410397.2020.1741494 -
Midwifery May 2022To examine and synthesise qualitative evidence of women's, peer supporters' and healthcare professionals' views and experiences of breastfeeding peer support. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To examine and synthesise qualitative evidence of women's, peer supporters' and healthcare professionals' views and experiences of breastfeeding peer support.
DESIGN
The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) approach to systematic reviews of qualitative studies was followed. Seven databases: CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Scopus, Maternal & Infant Care, and Web of Science were searched. Included papers were critically appraised using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research. JBI's meta-aggregation approach was used to synthesise findings. JBI's ConQual process was followed to assess confidence of evidence.
PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING
Primiparous and multiparous women, lay breastfeeding peer supporters, and healthcare professionals based in high, middle, and low income countries.
FINDINGS
Twenty-three papers presenting findings from 22 studies were included. The synthesised findings included: (1) Positive characteristics, approaches and benefits of peer support(ers); (2) Relationships between healthcare professionals and peer supporters; (3) Improving women's access to peer support services; (4) Barriers and enablers to provide peer support.
KEY CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE
Breastfeeding peer support increased women's self-esteem and confidence in breastfeeding while reducing social isolation. Peer supporters valued the experience, which gave them a sense of purpose and confidence, and felt good about helping the women they supported. Women appreciated peer supporters who were caring, spent time with them, shared experiences, provided realistic information, practical and emotional support. Although there were tensions between some healthcare professionals and peer supporters, many valued the mutual support offered. Embedding peer supporters in healthcare systems for them to work alongside healthcare professionals, combined with good communications and building trusty relationships could be a useful strategy to reduce tensions between them.
Topics: Breast Feeding; Delivery of Health Care; Female; Health Personnel; Humans; Infant; Peer Group; Qualitative Research
PubMed: 35276491
DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2022.103299 -
PloS One 2012To examine the effect of peer support on duration of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effect of peer support on duration of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in low and middle-income countries (LMICs).
DATA SOURCES
Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials were searched from inception to April 2012.
METHODS
Two authors independently searched, reviewed, and assessed the quality of randomized controlled trials utilizing peer support in LMICs. Meta-analysis and metaregression techniques were used to produce pooled relative risks and investigate sources of heterogeneity in the estimates.
RESULTS
Eleven randomized controlled trials conducted at 13 study sites met the inclusion criteria for systematic review. We noted significant differences in study populations, peer counselor training methods, peer visit schedule, and outcome ascertainment methods. Peer support significantly decreased the risk of discontinuing EBF as compared to control (RR: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.61-0.82; I(2) =92%). The effect of peer support was significantly reduced in settings with >10% community prevalence of formula feeding as compared to settings with <10% prevalence (p=0.048). There was no evidence of effect modification by inclusion of low birth weight infants (p=0.367) and no difference in the effect of peer support on EBF at 4 versus 6 months postpartum (p=0.398).
CONCLUSIONS
Peer support increases the duration of EBF in LMICs; however, the effect appears to be reduced in formula feeding cultures. Future studies are needed to determine the optimal timing of peer visits, how to best integrate peer support into packaged intervention strategies, and the effectiveness of supplemental interventions to peer support in formula feeding cultures.
Topics: Breast Feeding; Confidence Intervals; Developing Countries; Female; Humans; Income; Multivariate Analysis; Peer Group; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Regression Analysis; Time Factors
PubMed: 23028810
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0045143 -
PloS One 2018To investigate methods and processes for timely, efficient and good quality peer review of research funding proposals in health. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To investigate methods and processes for timely, efficient and good quality peer review of research funding proposals in health.
METHODS
A two-stage evidence synthesis: (1) a systematic map to describe the key characteristics of the evidence base, followed by (2) a systematic review of the studies stakeholders prioritised as relevant from the map on the effectiveness and efficiency of peer review 'innovations'. Standard processes included literature searching, duplicate inclusion criteria screening, study keyword coding, data extraction, critical appraisal and study synthesis.
RESULTS
A total of 83 studies from 15 countries were included in the systematic map. The evidence base is diverse, investigating many aspects of the systems for, and processes of, peer review. The systematic review included eight studies from Australia, Canada, and the USA, evaluating a broad range of peer review innovations. These studies showed that simplifying the process by shortening proposal forms, using smaller reviewer panels, or expediting processes can speed up the review process and reduce costs, but this might come at the expense of peer review quality, a key aspect that has not been assessed. Virtual peer review using videoconferencing or teleconferencing appears promising for reducing costs by avoiding the need for reviewers to travel, but again any consequences for quality have not been adequately assessed.
CONCLUSIONS
There is increasing international research activity into the peer review of health research funding. The studies reviewed had methodological limitations and variable generalisability to research funders. Given these limitations it is not currently possible to recommend immediate implementation of these innovations. However, many appear promising based on existing evidence, and could be adapted as necessary by funders and evaluated. Where feasible, experimental evaluation, including randomised controlled trials, should be conducted, evaluating impact on effectiveness, efficiency and quality.
Topics: Biomedical Research; Financial Management; Humans; Peer Review, Research
PubMed: 29750807
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0196914 -
BJPsych Open Jan 2022Many people who have self-harmed prefer informal sources of support or support from those with lived experience. However, little is known about whether peer support... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Many people who have self-harmed prefer informal sources of support or support from those with lived experience. However, little is known about whether peer support improves outcomes for people who have self-harmed or about the risks of peer support interventions in non-clinical settings.
AIMS
The aims of this review were to examine the effectiveness, acceptability and potential risks of peer support for self-harm, and how these risks might be mitigated.
METHOD
We searched bibliographic databases and grey literature for papers published since 2000. We included peer support for self-harm that occurred in voluntary-sector organisations providing one-to-one or group support, or via moderated online peer support forums.
RESULTS
Eight of the ten papers included focused on peer support that was delivered through online media. No study compared peer support with other treatments or a control group, so limited conclusions could be made about its effectiveness. Peer support for self-harm was found to be acceptable and was viewed as having a range of benefits including a sense of community, empowerment, and access to information and support. The most commonly perceived risk associated with peer support was the potential for triggering self-harm.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings highlighted a range of benefits of being part of a group with very specific shared experiences. Mitigations for potential risks include organisations using professional facilitators for groups, trigger warnings for online forums, and providing regular supervision and training so that peers are prepared and feel confident to support vulnerable people while maintaining their own emotional health.
PubMed: 35034666
DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2021.1081 -
The International Journal of Behavioral... Jul 2017Health-related claims are statements regarding the nutritional content of a food (nutrition claims) and/or indicate that a relationship exists between a food and a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Health-related claims are statements regarding the nutritional content of a food (nutrition claims) and/or indicate that a relationship exists between a food and a health outcome (health claims). Their impact on food purchasing or consumption decisions is unclear. This systematic review measured the effect of health-related claims, on pre-packaged foods in retail settings, on adult purchasing decisions (real and perceived).
METHODS
In September 2016, we searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, CAB abstracts, Business Source Complete, and Web of Science/Science Citation Index & Social Science Citation Index for articles in English published in peer-review journals. Studies were included if they were controlled experiments where the experimental group(s) included a health-related claim and the control group involved an identical product without a health-related claim. Included studies measured (at an individual or population level); actual or intended choice, purchases, and/or consumption. The primary outcome was product choices and purchases, the secondary outcome was food consumption and preference. Results were standardised through calculating odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the likelihood of choosing a product when a health-related claim was present. Results were combined in a random-effects meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Thirty-one papers were identified, 17 of which were included for meta-analyses. Most studies were conducted in Europe (n = 17) and the USA (n = 7). Identified studies were choice experiments that measured the likelihood of a product being chosen when a claim was present compared to when a claim was not present, (n = 16), 15 studies were experiments that measured either; intent-rating scale outcomes (n = 8), consumption (n = 6), a combination of the two (n = 1), or purchase data (n = 1). Overall, 20 studies found that claims increase purchasing and/or consumption, eight studies had mixed results, and two studies found consumption/purchasing reductions. The meta-analyses of 17 studies found that health-related claims increase consumption and/or purchasing (OR 1.75, CI 1.60-1.91).
CONCLUSION
Health-related claims have a substantial effect on dietary choices. However, this finding is based on research mostly conducted in artificial settings. Findings from natural experiments have yielded smaller effects. Further research is needed to assess effects of claims in real-world settings.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO systematic review registration number: CRD42016044042 .
Topics: Adult; Choice Behavior; Commerce; Diet; Europe; Food Labeling; Food Preferences; Health; Humans; United States
PubMed: 28697787
DOI: 10.1186/s12966-017-0548-1 -
BMC Medical Education Jun 2014While Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) has long occurred informally in medical education, in the past ten years, there has been increasing international interest in formally... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
While Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) has long occurred informally in medical education, in the past ten years, there has been increasing international interest in formally organised PAL, with many benefits for both the students and institutions. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to establish why and how PAL has been implemented, focussing on the recruitment and training process for peer tutors, the benefits for peer tutors, and the competency of peer tutors.
METHOD
A literature search was conducted in three electronic databases. Selection of titles and abstracts were made based on pre-determined eligibility criteria. We utilized the 'AMEE Peer assisted learning: a planning and implementation framework: AMEE Guide no. 30' to assist us in establishing the review aims in a systematic review of the literature between 2002 and 2012. Six key questions were developed and used in our analysis of particular aspects of PAL programs within medical degree programs.
RESULTS
We found nineteen articles that satisfied our inclusion criteria. The PAL activities fell into three broad categories of teacher training, peer teaching and peer assessment. Variability was found in the reporting of tutor recruitment and training processes, tutor outcomes, and tutor competencies.
CONCLUSION
Results from this review suggest that there are many perceived learning benefits for student tutors. However, there were mixed results regarding the accuracy of peer assessment and feedback, and no substantial evidence to conclude that participation as a peer tutor improves one's own examination performance. Further research into PAL in medicine is required if we are to better understand the relative impact and benefits for student tutors.
Topics: Education, Medical; Humans; Peer Group; Students, Medical; Teaching
PubMed: 24912500
DOI: 10.1186/1472-6920-14-115