Evaluating the Delivery of a Remote Osteoarthritis Peer Mentorship Programme for People Experiencing Socioeconomic Disadvantage

Introduction Hip and knee osteoarthritis can cause difficulty with daily activities and are particularly common in people experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage. Supported self‐management programmes, such as peer mentorship, can be a valuable way to support people to actively participate in managing their condition. The aim of this study was to develop, deliver and evaluate a remote peer mentorship programme to support self‐management of hip and/or knee osteoarthritis among people experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage. Methods The current study is a process evaluation of a complex intervention involving participants with diagnosed osteoarthritis and self‐reported socioeconomic disadvantage. Prior to participating in the remote self‐management programme, mentees completed a baseline questionnaire. Following programme completion, mentees and peer mentors were invited to take part in a semi‐structured interview, with mentees also invited to a follow‐up interview. Quantitative data from baseline questionnaires were analysed using descriptive statistics, and an inductive‐deductive approach was undertaken to analyse qualitative data. Data were integrated through narrative using a contiguous approach. Results Thirty mentees participated in the remote peer mentorship programme, delivered by 13 trained peer mentors. Twenty‐two mentees participated in an initial interview, 17 participated in a follow‐up interview, and 12 peer mentors were interviewed. Four inter‐related themes were developed that explored engagement, remote delivery, acceptability and self‐management progress. The process evaluation identified factors that influenced engagement with the programme such as competing priorities, the role of the peer mentor, and motivation. Conclusions Remote peer mentorship for people with osteoarthritis experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage is largely acceptable, with the potential for meaningful impact.