A randomised controlled trial investigating whether peer support is effective for people with Type 2 diabetes - Primary Care Unit

Title:	A randomised controlled trial investigating whether peer support is effective for people with Type 2 diabetes
Principal research question:	RAPSID: Can peer support, delivered as a group or individual intervention, enable people with diabetes and improve their health? (A RAndomised controlled trial of Peer Support In Type 2 Diabetes in Cambridgeshire, England)
Background:	Diabetes related damage is often now preventable with tight metabolic control (e.g. glucose, blood pressure, lipids), self-care activities, regular review and timely intervention. However, preventable complications continue to occur, often due to personal and systems barriers to implementing diabetes care. The need to overcome such barriers, so that people with diabetes are able to deal with the psychological, social and emotional issues that they face has become a major challenge. Peer support, involving experience sharing, mentoring and role-modelling, has been proposed as a way of overcoming some psychosocial barriers. Previous research suggests that peer support interventions are welcomed by participants, but has not provided robust evidence for its utility across all cultures
Sample group description:	In order to assess whether this is effective, we are conducting the largest trial of peer support worldwide, with 1,372 participants recruited. The RAPSID trial is multi-arm, comparing 1:1 individual support, group support and a combination of the two approaches. Linked to this, a sister project is investigating the motivation and effectiveness of people who volunteer to help others in a peer support role, who volunteers, what type of people do it well and the benefits to both parties involved. With around 150 trained “peer support facilitators”, we hope to provide useful information for others setting up health initiatives involving volunteers.
Outcome measure description:	Metabolic control Quality of life Self-management behaviours Self efficacy Reach The characteristics and motivations of peer supporters.
Project organisation
Start date:	1st January 2010
End date:	31st December 2013
Contact person:	Dr Jonathan Graffy
Contact Details:	Primary Care Research Unit Institute of Public Health University Forvie Site, Robinson Way Cambridge Cambs CB2 0SR UK Telephone: (01223) 330322 Fax: 01223 762515 E-mail: jpg43@medschl.cam.ac.uk
Collaborative:	PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: DAVID SIMMONS CO-PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: JONATHAN GRAFFY RESEARCH ASSOCIATE: DANIEL HOLMAN SIMON COHN SARAH DONALD PETER ROBINS CHARLOTTE PADDISON TOBY PREVOST
References and Publications
UK Clinical Research Network : Portfolio Database : http://public.ukcrn.org.uk/search/StudyDetail.aspx?StudyID=6521