“Being a light at the end of the tunnel”: Peer mentor experiences on supporting adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease

OBJECTIVE: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a stigmatized and impairing chronic disease frequently diagnosed during adolescence. Adolescents with IBD may benefit greatly from psychosocial support, with early literature indicating effectiveness of formal mentorship programs for mentee-related outcomes. However, limited research has examined the mentor experience within IBD populations. The present study qualitatively examined the perspectives of young adult mentors participating in a peer mentorship program for adolescents with IBD. METHOD: Young adults with IBD participated as mentors in the virtual iPeer2Peer © mentorship program across three tertiary pediatric centers. Twelve mentors participated in the present study through two focus groups. Interviews were analyzed following reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Three themes were developed: (1) program delivery, (2) perceived value of participating in the program, and (3) membership dynamics. Mentors discussed logistical aspects of program implementation, including training needs, challenges in working with adolescent mentees, and factors shaping the in-call experience. The personal value of mentoring others was underscored, including growth within mentors' own IBD journey, enhanced interpersonal qualities, and perceptions of making a difference. Finally, mentors highlighted the importance of a strong mentorship relationship and factors which supported growth over time. CONCLUSIONS: Present results underscore the benefit of peer mentorship in IBD, highlight the importance of incorporating lived experience in patient care, and provide important avenues for improvement of mentorship programs within the healthcare context. Further research is needed to continue to advance understanding of peer mentorship in IBD and its implementation within clinical care.