Abstract
Introduction: Over 200,000 university students are diagnosed with a mental health condition each year. Mental health symptoms can significantly impact occupational engagement and participation. Tertiary institutions are expected to offer cost-effective strategies in response.
Objective: The aim of this review was to identify what is known about virtual peer support programs, the characteristics of these programs and their reported efficacy.
Method: A scoping review was undertaken utilising Arksey and O′Malley's framework. Search terms used were (Education OR College OR University OR Academy OR Institute OR School) AND ((Peer AND (Support* OR Counsel* OR coach* OR Guidance*)) AND ((Mental) AND (Health OR stability OR hygiene OR balance OR illness)) AND (student OR Pupil OR Scholar). Research relating to virtual peer mentoring programs delivered to first year tertiary education students was assessed using published data extraction tools.
Results: Ten studies were included for data extraction, thematic and bibliometric analysis. Initial analysis identified that the peer mentoring training included a variation of face to face and virtual models focusing on mindfulness, psychoeducation, cognitive behaviour therapy strategies and referral pathways. High attrition rates were reported across most studies. Further themes will be identified and presented.
Conclusion: Research exploring virtual peer supports is limited. Virtual peer mentoring provides an opportunity to improve accessibility to supports and improve wellbeing. Improved knowledge surrounding efficacy of virtual peer mentoring programs would be beneficial for occupational therapists working in the mental health sector and/or telehealth.
Objective: The aim of this review was to identify what is known about virtual peer support programs, the characteristics of these programs and their reported efficacy.
Method: A scoping review was undertaken utilising Arksey and O′Malley's framework. Search terms used were (Education OR College OR University OR Academy OR Institute OR School) AND ((Peer AND (Support* OR Counsel* OR coach* OR Guidance*)) AND ((Mental) AND (Health OR stability OR hygiene OR balance OR illness)) AND (student OR Pupil OR Scholar). Research relating to virtual peer mentoring programs delivered to first year tertiary education students was assessed using published data extraction tools.
Results: Ten studies were included for data extraction, thematic and bibliometric analysis. Initial analysis identified that the peer mentoring training included a variation of face to face and virtual models focusing on mindfulness, psychoeducation, cognitive behaviour therapy strategies and referral pathways. High attrition rates were reported across most studies. Further themes will be identified and presented.
Conclusion: Research exploring virtual peer supports is limited. Virtual peer mentoring provides an opportunity to improve accessibility to supports and improve wellbeing. Improved knowledge surrounding efficacy of virtual peer mentoring programs would be beneficial for occupational therapists working in the mental health sector and/or telehealth.
| Original language | English |
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| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 19 Jun 2023 |
| Event | Occupational Therapy Australia 30th National Conference and Exhibition - Cairns, Australia Duration: 21 Jun 2023 → 23 Jun 2023 Conference number: 30 https://otaus.com.au/events/occupational-therapy-australia-30th-national-conference-and-exhibition-2023 |
Conference
| Conference | Occupational Therapy Australia 30th National Conference and Exhibition |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Australia |
| City | Cairns |
| Period | 21/06/23 → 23/06/23 |
| Other | SESSION 7B: APPROACHES IN AUTISM AND MENTAL HEALTH (ORAL PRESENTATIONS) |
| Internet address |
