Peer support intervention trials for individuals with heart disease: A systematic review
Received 9 May 2009; received in revised form 16 October 2009; accepted 24 October 2009. published online 19 November 2009.
Abstract
Background
Heart disease is a major cause of illness, disability and death worldwide with high personal, community and healthcare costs. Social support affects psychological and physical morbidity, mortality, and adjustment to chronic disease. Peer support, a specific type of social support, has been shown to be an effective intervention for a variety of populations.
Aim
The aim of this paper is to critically examine the effects of peer support interventions on health outcomes in individuals with heart disease.
Methods
Searches were made of ACP Journal Club, EBM, CDSR, DARE, CCTR (1982–2005), MEDLINE (1966–2005), PsycINFO (1975-July 2005), HealthSTAR (1975-June 2005), and CINAHL (1982-July 2005) using text words and MeSH headings.
Results
Electronic and hand searching yielded 27 studies and reviews. Six studies met the inclusion criteria and were assessed using guidelines from The Evidence-Based Medicine Working Group and The Cochrane Collaboration. Inferences about the results were limited to critical appraisal. The trials demonstrated some positive effects of peer support for individuals with heart disease, including higher levels of self-efficacy, improved activity, reduced pain, and fewer emergency room visits.
Conclusion
Despite some evidence supporting peer support for individuals with heart disease, methodological problems preclude generalizations. Further research with greater methodological rigor is warranted.
Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Canada
Corresponding author. Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Suite 130, Toronto, ON, Canada M5T 1P8. Tel.: +1 416 946 3561 (office); fax: +1 416 978 8222.
ABSTRACT