Evaluating the Delivery of a Remote Osteoarthritis Peer Mentorship Programme for People Experiencing Socioeconomic Disadvantage

INTRODUCTION: Hip and knee osteoarthritis can cause difficulty with daily activities and are particularly common in people experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage. Supported self-management programmes, such as peer mentorship, can be a valuable way to support people to actively participate in managing their condition. The aim of this study was to develop, deliver and evaluate a remote peer mentorship programme to support self-management of hip and/or knee osteoarthritis among people experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage. METHODS: The current study is a process evaluation of a complex intervention involving participants with diagnosed osteoarthritis and self-reported socioeconomic disadvantage. Prior to participating in the remote self-management programme, mentees completed a baseline questionnaire. Following programme completion, mentees and peer mentors were invited to take part in a semi-structured interview, with mentees also invited to a follow-up interview. Quantitative data from baseline questionnaires were analysed using descriptive statistics, and an inductive-deductive approach was undertaken to analyse qualitative data. Data were integrated through narrative using a contiguous approach. RESULTS: Thirty mentees participated in the remote peer mentorship programme, delivered by 13 trained peer mentors. Twenty-two mentees participated in an initial interview, 17 participated in a follow-up interview, and 12 peer mentors were interviewed. Four inter-related themes were developed that explored engagement, remote delivery, acceptability and self-management progress. The process evaluation identified factors that influenced engagement with the programme such as competing priorities, the role of the peer mentor, and motivation. CONCLUSIONS: Remote peer mentorship for people with osteoarthritis experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage is largely acceptable, with the potential for meaningful impact.