Virtual Peer-to-Peer (VP2P) Support Mentoring for Chronic Pain: A Pilot RCT

Virtual Peer-to-Peer (VP2P) Support Mentoring for Adolescents With Chronic Pain: A Feasibility Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Study Hypothesis: A virtual peer-to-peer support intervention will improve health outcomes and quality of life in adolescents with chronic pain.

The aim of this project is to develop and examine the impact of a virtual peer support program on health outcomes and quality of life of adolescents with chronic pain using a waitlist randomized controlled trial. In addition to standard medical care, adolescents in the experimental group will receive a manualized peer mentorship program that will provide modeling and reinforcement by trained young adults aged 16-25 years who have learned to function successfully with their pain. Mentoring sessions consist of 10 sessions of 30-45 minute Skype calls over 8 weeks. Feasibility of the program will be measured in addition to quality of life, physical and emotional symptoms, pain coping, self-efficacy, social support, and self-management skills.

Inclusion Criteria:

• males and females 12-18 years old
• diagnosed chronic pain condition (e.g., neuropathic pain, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, chronic musculoskeletal pain, chronic daily headache, chronic widespread pain)
• able to speak and read English
• access to Internet connection, computer capable of using free Skype software
• willing and able to complete online measures.

Exclusion Criteria:

• significant cognitive impairments
• major co-morbid illnesses (i.e., psychiatric conditions) likely to influence HRQL assessment
• participating in peer support or self-management interventions (e.g., WebMap).