title: An online recovery plan program: can peer coaching increase participation?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  A pilot study evaluated whether the addition of online coaching from a peer specialist increased participation in an online program featuring educational and interactive modules to promote self-management of bipolar disorder.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 118 participants with bipolar disorder recruited from online and in-person support groups and clinical settings were enrolled in MyRecoveryPlan. Half the group was randomly assigned to receive online coaching support from a certified peer specialist.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants offered online peer coaching were more likely to return to the program after registration (71% versus 44%, p=.005) and to continue using the program after three weeks (38% versus 9%, p<.001). This pattern was consistent for all program elements.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The addition of online coaching from a peer specialist significantly increased engagement and retention in the program, but further research is needed to evaluate the program's effects on clinical and recovery outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Group Health Research Institute, 1730 Minor Ave., Suite 1600, Seattle, WA 98101, USA. simon.g@ghc.org
authors.forename: Gregory E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Simon
authors.forename: Evette J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Ludman
authors.forename: Lisa C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Goodale
authors.forename: Donna M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Dykstra
authors.forename: Elisa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Stone
authors.forename: Dona
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cutsogeorge
authors.forename: Belinda
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Operskalski
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Savarino
authors.forename: Chester
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pabiniak
mesh_terms: D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D010358:Patient Participation / Q000523:psychology*; D010379:Peer Group; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology*; D012944:Social Support; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*