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To achieve a deeper understanding of the results of a primary randomised controlled trial to clarify the potential effective mechanisms and barriers of a peer-mentor intervention.
Mixed methods process-outcome evaluation of the intervention.
Qualitative and quantitative data were collected during the intervention in a during-trial set-up, that is, a convergent design.
The qualitative and quantitative findings mostly confirmed and expanded each other, identifying several mechanisms that facilitate the effectiveness of peer-mentor support during cardiac rehabilitation, such as mentors' experience-based knowledge and motivation. However, barriers related to lifestyle changes among older, vulnerable patients (e.g., mentee concerns about heart-healthy diets) and psychological outcomes (e.g., mentees' resilience) may minimise the effectiveness.
Peer-mentoring holds potential for supporting older, vulnerable patients during cardiac rehabilitation. However, ensuring that peer-mentors are well-suited for their role and capable of providing motivational, experience-based support is crucial, as is the need for tailored mentorship and consideration of specific patient populations needing mentor-supported cardiac rehabilitation.
Cardiac rehabilitation faces challenges due to high drop-out rates, particularly among older individuals, females, and vulnerable patients. Peer mentoring, a low-cost intervention, holds promise for supporting these groups in cardiac rehabilitation programmes.
The study adheres to the ‘Systematic Development of Standards for Mixed Methods Reporting in Rehabilitation Health Sciences Research’, ‘Good Reporting of A Mixed Methods Study’ and ‘Template for Intervention Description and Replication’.
A group of patients with cardiovascular disease actively contributed to developing and implementing the intervention.
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04945486—prospectively registered before the first participant was recruited
To explore how parents of children with de novo retinoblastoma (RB) experience the diagnostic process and acute treatment phase, and to identify factors that may support parental coping and adaptation.
A qualitative interview study using reflexive thematic analysis.
National Retinoblastoma Unit at Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark.
Thirty-one parents (21 mothers, 10 fathers) of 21 children diagnosed with de novo RB were recruited via hospital follow-up clinics and a support group day.
For most parents, the diagnostic process was short. In cases of diagnostic delay, parents described frustration and guilt due to missed symptoms. Receiving the RB diagnosis was described as a surreal experience, accompanied by feelings of shock, grief and loss of control. Parents faced challenges in adapting to rapid medical decisions and the unfamiliar demands of hospital protocols. However, meeting the clinical experts was a relief, as parents felt they were in capable hands, experiencing empathetic communication and a clearly framed treatment plan. Parents emphasised the importance of support systems, including family, healthcare professionals and the child’s resilience, as crucial for coping with and managing the diagnosis.
Parents faced a sudden and disruptive transition from symptom recognition to life-altering diagnosis and treatment. While professional care and communication were experienced as supportive, they did not eliminate the emotional impact. Clinical pathways should prioritise early validation of parental concerns and provide transparent communication, both prior to referral and throughout treatment. Future research should examine longer-term parental adjustment and identify interventions that support emotional resilience beyond the acute phase.
FreshRSS 