Abstract
Background: Peer mentorship is a promising approach to support participation among individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). Little research has examined how SCI peer mentorship conversations support participation in mentees with SCI, or the topics discussed and the counselling techniques used in these conversations. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to develop a coding framework of topics discussed and techniques used in real-time SCI peer mentorship conversations. Methods: Peer mentors and mentees completed a baseline demographic survey, were matched, and their telephone conversations were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Two researchers inductively coded each transcript independently to identify topics discussed and counselling techniques used. Inductive topics and techniques were then independently coded for overlap with established coding methods (e.g. motivational interviewing, behaviour change techniques). Consensus was reached through discussion. Results: Ten conversations between 10 mentors and 10 mentees were recorded (mean age: 51.6±13.3 years, 40% female) with a mean duration of 43.30±17.24 minutes. Nine topics (e.g., accessibility, recreation) and 21 techniques (e.g., reframing, coping strategies) were inductively identified. Techniques partially overlapped with existing coding methods (67% motivational interviewing; 14% behaviour change techniques). Discussion: Peer mentorship conversations may provide support beyond traditional behavioural counselling techniques. Motivational interviewing relational techniques may be more reflective of peer mentorship conversations as behaviour change techniques account for a small portion of the conversation. Results of this study will allow for in-depth analysis of peer mentorship conversations with the aim of improving peer mentorship programs in the future.Acknowledgments: UBC Hampton Research Endowment Fund, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research