Effects of Peer Mentoring for Caregivers of Patients With Acquired Brain Injury: A Preliminary Investigation of Efficacy

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate effectiveness of a peer mentor intervention for caregivers of patients with acquired brain injury (ABI) in encouraging caregiver participation in support services to prepare them for the role of caregiving and in reducing caregiver stress and depression. DESIGN: Controlled trial with participants randomized to either usual care or 1-to-1 visits with a family caregiver peer mentor during the ABI inpatient rehabilitation stay. SETTING: Nonprofit rehabilitation hospital specializing in care of persons with brain and spinal cord injury. PARTICIPANTS: Caregivers (N=36) of patients with ABI admitted for rehabilitation whose discharge location was home with care provided by family members (caregivers: 93% female; 58% White; mean age, 48±10.4y). INTERVENTIONS: One-to-one peer mentoring visits during the inpatient stay with a trained peer mentor who is also a family caregiver of a survivor of brain injury. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Frequency of participation in support services for family caregivers, reported caregiver stress, and reported caregiver depressive symptoms. RESULTS: There was no difference between groups in participation in support services for family caregivers. Participants in the peer mentor intervention group reported significantly greater improvement in caregiver stress at discharge and 30 days post discharge than participants in the usual care group. Reported depressive symptoms were also lower for the intervention group, but change scores did not achieve statistical significance at discharge or 30-day follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Peer mentoring appears to improve caregivers’ ability to handle the stress of caregiving and reduces reported depressive symptoms. There was no between-group difference noted in participation in support services for families; however, participation was adversely affected by restrictions imposed during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, which may have masked any effect.