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Pilot Feasibility Trial of a Peer Support Program for Trauma Survivors
Sponsor: Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Summary
Traumatic injuries from events like car crashes, falls, or fires are a leading cause of disability. Survivors often face not only physical challenges but also long-lasting pain, mental health challenges and difficulty returning to work and family life. Although medical care focuses on physical recovery, survivors frequently report that their emotional and social needs are overlooked and unmet. Peer support-guidance from people who have lived through similar injuries-can reduce distress and improve coping. However, no programs in Canada currently provide peer support to trauma survivors across their recovery journey, from hospital to rehabilitation to community living. The investigators worked with trauma survivors, caregivers, and healthcare providers to co-design a Peer Support Program (PSP) that offers support throughout these stages. This pilot study will test whether the program is feasible and acceptable, and explore its early impact on recovery. Results will guide a future larger trial to expand peer support in trauma care.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
49
Start Date
2026-01-01
Completion Date
2027-12-31
Last Updated
2025-12-10
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Cross-continuum Peer Support Program
Trained trauma-survivor peer supporters (n=4), supported by a research team member; peers complete a 5-session training covering trauma-informed communication, boundaries, crisis de-escalation, self-care, and secondary trauma. Trauma survivors will be recruited in acute care and have the option to meeting once with a trained peer supporter prior to discharge to inpatient rehabilitation. In in-patient rehab they will attend 1 hour peer support group sessions facilitated by the trained peer supporters twice a week for a total of 3 weeks. Once discharged the community, they will attend 1 hour peer support group sessions facilitated by the trained peer supporters once a week for a total of 12 weeks.
Locations (2)
St. John's Rehab at Sunnybrook
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Toronto, Ontario, Canada