PeerOnCall

Evaluating Implementation of App-Based Peer Support in Canadian Public Safety Organizations

Datos Bibliográficos

ID15476993
AutoresSandra Moll (0000-0002-1937-0103, McMaster University, autor de correspondencia), Rosemary Ricciardelli (0000-0002-0905-8968, Memorial University of Newfoundland), R Nicholas Carleton (0000-0002-6083-8935, University of Regina), Joy C Macdermid (0000-0001-9311-7379, Western University), Stephen Czarnuch (0000-0002-9192-4107, Memorial University of Newfoundland), Renée S MacPhee (0000-0001-8791-6270, Wilfrid Laurier University)
Año2025
Volumen22
Número8
Páginas1269-1269
Fecha de publicación2025-08-13
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
EditorialMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph22081269
PMID40869854
OpenAlexW4413159762
IdiomaEN
Referencias citadas9

Public safety personnel (PSP), including correctional workers, firefighters, paramedics, police, and public safety communicators, are at increased risk for posttraumatic stress injury, yet face barriers in receiving timely support. Mobile health (mHealth) applications (apps) offer promising avenues for confidential, on-demand access to relevant information and support. The purpose of this study was to assess implementation of PeerOnCall , a new mHealth platform designed by and for PSP (the platform includes two parallel apps: one for frontline workers and one for peer support providers). A multi-site mixed methods implementation trial was conducted over 3-6 months in 42 public safety organizations across Canada. App usage trends were tracked through software analytics, and facilitators and barriers to app use were explored via interviews with organizational champions. Over 11,300 employees across 42 organizations were invited to use the PeerOnCall app over the trial period, with approximately 1759 PSP (15% of total) downloading the app. Variation within and across sectors was evident in app downloads and feature use. Approaches to communication (mode, timing, and messenger), and organizational culture related to mental health and help outreach affected uptake levels. PeerOnCall is a promising tool to facilitate access to peer support; however, culturally relevant strategies are needed to overcome barriers and integrate this tool into workplace practices

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