Promoting physical activity among older people in primary care using peer mentors.
BACKGROUND
The home-based Otago Exercise Programme has been shown to increase sustained physical-activity levels in older people recruited through primary care, when supported by health professionals. The ProAct65+ trial is testing this programme using volunteer peer mentors to support behaviour change. This qualitative study explored how these peer mentors experienced their role.


METHODS
Ten peer mentors from the ProAct65+ trial were interviewed. Semi-structured interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed.


RESULTS
Peer mentors reported positive experiences including meeting new people, watching mentees progress, developing friendships and being shown gratitude for their support. Key barriers and facilitators to the mentoring process included the home and telephone as settings for support, geography and making contact with mentees.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings from this study can help the development of peer mentor programmes in primary care for older people. Future programmes should recruit peer mentors who are local to where mentoring is needed to reduce travel difficulties.
1Assistant Project Co-ordinator,Primary Care and Population Health,Royal Free Campus,London,UK.
Zoe
Z
Stevens
2Research Associate,Primary Care and Population Health,Royal Free Campus,London,UK.
Cate
C
Barlow
3Professor,Primary Care and Population Health,Royal Free Campus,London,UK.
Steve
S
Iliffe
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D033062:Friends / Q000523:psychology; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008611:Mentors / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010379:Peer Group; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000379:methods*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012944:Social Support
primary care