Developing a compassionate online peer navigation program for youth with childhood onset disability

Scientist, KITE-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute-University Health Network

For youth with childhood onset disabilities, the transition from the child to adult health and community care systems is a complex process; poor continuity can lead to negative health outcomes. Sarah’s project will study online peer navigation as an avenue for the delivery of compassionate care for youth with childhood onset disabilities, transitioning to the adult healthcare system and community services. Peer support has been identified as important to the delivery of compassionate care through technology, in that the technology connects users to people with shared experiences, creating feelings of understanding and connectedness. We will conduct interviews and focus groups with youth with childhood onset disabilities, as well as their family members, to understand what is needed for an online peer navigation program and begin designing this intervention with a healthcare technology partner.