Examining the Impact of Peer Mentors on Individuals Transitioning to Adult Eating Disorder Treatment: A Feasibility Study

Detailed Summary

Participants will be males and females aged 16-24 with an eating disorder (ED) diagnosis who are transitioning to adult-oriented ED treatment in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, or Prince Edward Island. Youth participants will be recruited from community-based clinics, hospital programs, and private practices where ED treatment is delivered. Youth who are interested in participating and provide written consent will be invited to take part in a screening meeting to determine eligibility to participate. Eligible participants will be paired with a peer mentor for a 3-6 month intervention to guide them through the transition to adult-oriented ED treatment. Participants will be asked to complete questionnaire packages before beginning the intervention, after completing the intervention, and 12 months after beginning the intervention. Some youth participants, as well as some of their carers and the peer mentors, will be asked to participate in one-on-one interviews about their experiences with transitions in ED care and the peer mentor intervention. The investigators are conducting this study to determine whether the use of peer mentors is an effective and acceptable means of transition support for youth with EDs. The investigators are also interested in better understanding the experiences of carers and peer mentors who are supporting youth with EDs during their transition in care.

Study Details

Timeline

Interventions