Peer specialist intervention to improve mental health among women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and other patients receiving hormonal care

University Of Michigan At Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor MI

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY Candidate: Daphna Stroumsa, MD, MPH, MSc, is an obstetrician-gynecologist and early career health services researcher at the University of Michigan, focused on improving endocrinological healthcare access and quality. Dr. Stroumsa’s long-term career goal is to become an independent physician-researcher leading the development and evaluation of interventions to improve health outcomes among people receiving endocrinological care. Research Context: There is a critical need for effective interventions that address depression and poor mental health. Peer support interventions hold immense promise in providing critical support and in countering the effects of stigma on health, especially among patients receiving endocrinological care such as for PCOS, menopause, and other indications. It is, however, necessary to understand how best to design and deploy such interventions to meet the specific needs of this population. Specific Aims: The overarching goal of this proposal is to adapt and pilot-test a peer support intervention to improve mental health outcomes among patients accessing hormonal care. The study’s specific aims are to 1) identify the desired properties and structure of a peer support intervention for patients accessing hormonal care, and how these vary by lived experiences 2) adapt a peer support intervention to improve mental health among people presenting for hormonal care; and 3) evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention for improving participants’ mental health in a clinical setting. Research Plan: The plan relies on a community-engaged, structured process with 1) interviews with patients and other stakeholders to identify the desired properties of the intervention, 2) An iterative refinement of the intervention with expert feedback, and 3) A six-month pilot RCT to assess feasibility and acceptability. Career Development Plan: To achieve independence, Dr. Stroumsa requires additional training in 1) Community-engaged research, 2) Adaptation of behavioral interventions, and 3) Conducting and evaluating clinical trials. Dr. Stroumsa’s training will be supported by an interdisciplinary team of NIH-funded mentors. The primary mentor, Dr. Paul Pfeiffer, has extensive mentoring experience and expertise designing and evaluating interventions to improve mental health outcomes. Drs. Amy Schulz and Kristi Gamarel (co-mentors) are experts in community-based participatory research and peer-delivered behavioral interventions. The training is further supported by regular feedback from advisors, advanced didactic coursework, and participation in workshops/seminars. These will enable Dr. Stroumsa’s seamless transition to becoming an independent researcher, working to improve health outcomes by developing and testing patient-centered interventions.