A pilot test of a peer navigator intervention for improving the health of individuals with serious mental illness

Erin Kelly, Anthony Fulginiti, Rohini Pahwa, Louise Tallen, Lei Duan, John S. Brekke

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) are at considerably higher risk for morbidity and mortality than those in the general population. The current pilot trial is a preliminary examination of a peer health navigation intervention for improving health and healthcare utilization called the Bridge. Twenty-four individuals with SMI were randomly assigned to either peer navigation or treatment as usual (TAU). Navigators encouraged development of self-management of healthcare through a series of psychoeducation and behavioral strategies. Outcomes included a range of health consequences, as well as health utilization indices. After 6 months, compared to the TAU group, participants receiving the intervention experienced fewer pain and health symptoms. Participants changed their orientation about seeking care to a primary care provider (44.4 % vs. 83.3 %, χ(2) = 3.50, p < .05) rather than the emergency room (55.6 % vs. 0 %, χ(2) = 8.75, p < .01). Therefore, the Bridge intervention demonstrated considerable promise through positively impacting health and healthcare utilization.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)435-446
Number of pages12
JournalCommunity mental health journal
Volume50
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1 2014

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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