Development of Web-Based Peer Support Program for Family Caregivers of VAI

What is it about?

At-home ventilator-assisted individuals (VAI) are often highly comorbid, vulnerable, and require complex care. Many Ventilator-assisted individuals are usually provided care by their family in Canada, thus leading to poor health-related quality of life and increased burden on the caregivers. There is also a lack of support or peer support programs for family caregivers of VAIs. This lack of support can lead to financial, geographic, and time limitations for caregivers. This two-stage study developed a peer mentor training and web-based peer support program for the caregivers of ventilator-assisted individuals which incorporates information sharing, peer-to-peer communication, and peer mentorship.

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Why is it important?

This study is important because it will result in the development and first evaluation of an evidence-based and stakeholder-informed web-based peer training and peer support program for caregivers of VAIs at home.