Peer Navigators for the Health and Wellness of People With Psychiatric Disabilities

Launched by ILLINOIS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY · Aug 18, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a program that uses peer navigators to help adults with psychiatric disabilities improve their health and wellness. People with these disabilities often face significant health challenges and tend to live 20 to 30 years less than their peers. The trial aims to see if having a peer navigator—someone who has experienced similar challenges—can help participants better access healthcare services and improve their overall quality of life. Participants will be divided into two groups: one will receive regular integrated care, while the other will get that care along with the support of a peer navigator.

To be eligible for this trial, participants must be at least 18 years old, have a serious mental illness, and want to improve their physical health. They also need to be active members of a specific community organization and live in the Chicago South Side area. Throughout the study, which lasts eight months, participants will attend sessions and share information about their health and experiences. The researchers hope that those working with peer navigators will show better health outcomes compared to those receiving standard care.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age 18 or older
• • Serious mental illness (as indicated by disability)
• • A desire to improve their physical health/wellness and prevent disease through peer health navigation
• • Willing to attend
• • Active Thresholds member residing in the catchment area (Chicago South Side)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Currently receiving services from a peer support specialist to work on health-related goals
• • Currently receiving Assertive Community Treatment services
• • Not an active Thresholds member
• • Does not reside in the catchment area (Chicago South Side)