Thilo Kroll, PhD¹, Samuel Gordon, PhD¹, and Steve Towle². (1) Center for Health and Disability Research, National Rehabilitation Hospital, 102 Irving St., NW, Washington, DC 20010-2949, 202-877-1031, thilo.kroll@medstar.net, (2) Spinal Cord Injury Newtwork, 51 Monroe St. Plaza West 9, Rockville, MD 20850

Background. Individuals with newly acquired spinal cord injuries are prone to develop secondary conditions such as pressure sores and urinary tract infections with greater frequency as they transition from the hospital into the community. This demonstration study uses a peer-mentoring approach to monitor for secondary conditions, provide information, demontrate preventive strategies, and refer to medical care services when needed.

Methods. Three peer mentors were systematically trained by SCI Life Consultants (individuals with SCI on staff) and clinical/research staff. They had weekly contacts over six months with six individuals with newly acquired spinal cord injuries. They recorded occurrence of medical complications, and all peer mentor actions. Semi-structured interviews have been conducted with mentees and mentors six months after discharge from hospital.

Results. Preliminary findings suggest that the program is well received by individuals with newly acquired spinal cord injuries. Mentees report positive experiences with the mentor relationship, and emphasize their ability to manage their spinal cord injury as a result of the peer mentoring program. Clincians stress that the program provides an effective way to reach out and provide care to consumers after their discharge from the hospital into the community.

Conclusions. The peer mentor program appears to provide a much needed complementary service to people with SCI as they transition from the hospital into the community. Secondary conditions resulting from spinal cord injury are costly to society and the individual. The program is innovative in that it applies a low cost, peer-to-peer approach to extend professional support into the community.

Learning Objectives:

• To identify peer mentoring as an effective intervention at the intersection of professional hospital-based care systems and community outreach
• To describe the satisfaction with the peer mentoring processs
• To articulate a service model that can be applied to other disabling conditions

Keywords: Disability, Peer Counselors

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.