POS1447-PARE EMPOWERING FELLOW PATIENTS: COMMUNITY BASED PEER SUPPORT PROGRAMS AND THEIR IMPACT ON PATIENT EDUCATION AND COPING STRATEGIES
Authors: N. Geetha Ravi
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2024)

<h3>Background:</h3> This abstract introduces a well-established community-based structured peer support program model developed by the Norwegian Rheumatic Association (NRF) over the past 30 years. The model revolves around the exchange of life experiences, evolving from guidance services to diverse activity groups, discussion forums, and one-on-one meetings. Personal narratives, drawn from decades of living with rheumatic conditions, form the core principle, fostering understanding, empathy, and shared strength within the community. While formal studies are in planning, the experiential knowledge embedded in this model stands as a testament to its enduring impact on patient well-being. <h3>Objectives:</h3> 1.To emphasize the role of life experience exchange as a core principle in the community-based peer support program. 2.To underscore the enduring impact of the model on rheumatic patients' lives through personal narrative exchanges within the confidential space of structured peer support and group activities. 3.To provide an overview of the feasibility of implementing a nationwide peer support program at national, district, and local community levels. <h3>Methods:</h3> The Norwegian Rheumatic Association (NRF) is a prominent patient group in Norway with 30,000 members. The community-based peer support model relies on 200 local organizations under NRF and 500 trained peer support persons (PSPs). Coordinated by experienced PSPs, the model involves approving and training local peer support persons who sign a confidentiality agreement. Training includes guidelines on peer support program, communication skills and patient rights information. A standardized training program ensures uniform quality in all local groups. Activities, including one-on-one sessions and discussion groups, are provided based on needs of patients and capacity of peer support persons. Ongoing training sessions and webinars enrich competence and a tiered support network (local, district, and national levels) backs up peer support persons with necessary interventions. <h3>Results:</h3> While formal studies are pending, patients' responses indicate positive impacts. Patients engaging in community-based peer support programs report heightened understanding of their conditions, help in coping with the disease and it gives them a sense of community. The potential of the model in positively influencing the quality of life of individuals living with rheumatic conditions is evident. <h3>Conclusion:</h3> The success of the community-based peer support model is tied to the core principle of exchanging life experiences, enriching patients' quality of life. Improvements in understanding, coping strategies, and community building signify the model's potential impact on those dealing with rheumatic diseases. The unique insights and practical advice shared by peers play a pivotal role in facilitating adjustment to a new life with a chronic illness for newly diagnosed patients. This in turn reduces the burden on healthcare professionals. Future studies will evaluate the sustained effectiveness of the model, emphasizing the significance of experiential knowledge and the crucial role of peer support in community-driven public health initiatives. <h3>REFERENCES:</h3> [1] Dennis, Cindy-Lee. "Peer support within a health care context: a concept analysis." <i>International journal of nursing studies</i> 40.3 (2003): 321-332. [2] Harris, Janet, et al. "Can community-based peer support promote health literacy and reduce inequalities? A realist review." <i>Journal of Public Health Research</i> 3.3 (2015). <h3>Acknowledgements:</h3> <b>NIL.</b> <h3>Disclosure of Interests:</h3> <b>None declared.</b>