RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

iParent2Parent Program for Parents of Pediatric Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

The iParent2Parent (iP2P) program is exploring a new way to help parents whose children have received an organ transplant. This online program links parents one-to-one with other experienced parents who understand what they're going through. These 'mentor' parents are trained to offer support and guidance. The study aims to see if iP2P can help reduce feelings of being alone, improve parents' mental health, and ultimately have a positive effect on the child's long-term health. Taking part means you might be matched with a mentor, or you might be in a group that doesn't get a mentor right away, to compare results. This research helps us understand how valuable peer support can be and how technology can make it more accessible.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

The Hospital for Sick Children

Enrolment target

Start

01 Aug 2023

Estimated completion

26 Jun 2026

Solid Organ Transplant

What is this study about?

Having a child undergo an organ transplant can be a very challenging time for families. This study, called the iParent2Parent (iP2P) program, wants to see if connecting parents with others who have been through a similar experience can make a real difference.

The iP2P program is like a supportive online buddy system. It aims to link parents of children who have received an organ transplant with other parents who are more experienced and have been specially trained to offer support and guidance. These 'mentor' parents can share their insights and help new parents feel less alone. The study is designed to understand if this kind of support can improve parents' mental well-being and generally help families cope better after a child's transplant.

Researchers at The Hospital for Sick Children are hoping to learn how helpful one-to-one parent support can be when delivered online. By using technologies like WhatsApp, they want to make this valuable support easier for families to access, no matter where they are. This research could help shape future support services for transplant families.

Key takeaways

It's about an online support program for parents of children who've had an organ transplant.
The program connects parents one-to-one with experienced 'mentor' parents.
Aims to reduce loneliness and improve parents' mental health.
Uses free WhatsApp for easy access to support.
You might be a mentee (receiving support) or a mentor (giving support).
Participation involves being randomly assigned to a group and sharing your experiences.

Who may be eligible?

If your child has had an organ transplant and you're a parent looking for support, you might be able to take part in this study. Your child needs to be under 18 years old and have had their transplant at least two months ago. You'll also need access to a smart device (like a phone, tablet, or computer) that can use the free WhatsApp app, and you should be able to speak English.

If you're a parent who has already successfully navigated your child's organ transplant journey, you might be able to become a mentor. For this, your child needs to be under 21 years old and have had their transplant at least one year ago. Your child's healthcare team would also need to suggest you as a good mentor, considering your communication skills and how well you've adapted to life after transplant. Like mentees, you'd also need a smart device for WhatsApp and be able to speak English.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Is your child under 18 (for mentees) or under 21 (for mentors) and had an organ transplant?
Has your child's transplant been at least two months ago (for mentees) or one year ago (for mentors)?
Do you have a smartphone, tablet, or computer with access to free WhatsApp?
Are you able to speak English?
If you want to be a mentor, has your child's healthcare team suggested you would be a good fit?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you would first be asked to join the study. Some parents will be randomly chosen to join the iParent2Parent program and be matched with a mentor. Other parents will be part of a 'control group,' meaning they won't get a mentor through the program right away, but their experiences will still help the study. All participants will be asked to share how they are feeling, likely through surveys or short questionnaires, so researchers can understand if the program makes a difference. The exact duration of your participation would be explained fully before you join.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might offer you the benefit of connecting with an experienced and supportive parent if you are a mentee, which could help reduce feelings of isolation and improve your well-being. For mentors, it's an opportunity to use your experience to help others. There are very few direct risks, but sharing personal information, even with a peer, can sometimes bring up difficult emotions. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your child's care.

Locations (1)

Hospital for Sick Children
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an 'organ transplant'?

An organ transplant is a medical procedure where a diseased or damaged organ is replaced with a healthy one from a donor.

What does a 'mentor' do in this program?

A mentor is an experienced parent who has also had a child receive an organ transplant. They offer support, guidance, and share their experiences with other parents in the program.

How long does the program last?

The study description does not specify the exact length of time you would be involved in the program, but this would be explained fully before you agree to participate.

Will I definitely get a mentor if I join?

Not necessarily. Participants are randomly assigned to either receive a mentor or be part of a control group for comparison. This helps researchers understand the program's effectiveness.

Do I have to pay for WhatsApp?

No, WhatsApp is a free messaging application. You would only need access to a device that can run the app.

How to find out more

Samantha J. Anthony, PhD, MSW

samantha.anthony@sickkids.ca 416-813-7654 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.