iP2P Mentorship Program for Teen HF Patients

Mentee inclusion criteria:

1. patient with a cardiac diagnosis,

2. at least 4 months post-diagnosis,

3. between the ages of 12 and 17 years,

4. able to speak and read English, and

5. willingness to commit to 5-10 texts and/or calls of 20-30 minutes each with a peermentor over a period of 15 weeks.

Mentor inclusion criteria:

1. patient with a cardiac diagnosis,

2. between the ages of 18 and 30 years,

3. able to speak and read English,

4. nominated by a member of their health care team as a good mentor based on maturityand emotional stability,

5. willingness to commit to peer mentor training (20 hours) via the PHIPA-compliantversion of Zoom or Microsoft Teams and mentoring adolescent participants (oncepaired with mentee, 5-10 texts and/or calls of 20-30 minutes over a period of 15weeks),

6. good communication skills (as assessed by a healthcare provider), and

7. previous experience in a professional environment (e.g., as a camp counsellor, parttime job, volunteering) is an asset.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. significant cognitive impairments as assessed by a qualified healthcare provider,

2. a diagnosis of an active psychological disorder (e.g., Major Depressive Disorder,Generalized Anxiety Disorder) likely to influence assessment of health-relatedquality of life and/or interfere with their ability to manage their heart failurecare regimen (a diagnosis of an active psychological disorder will be determined formentees through medical chart review and self-reported by mentors), and

3. participating in other peer support or self-management interventions.