Table 2 Peer Ambassador’s perception of the benefits of being an ambassador
Themes | Sample quotes | |
|---|---|---|
Creating interpersonal connections through opening up, trust-building, and listening | “Well, mine [Peer Buddy] had a lot of medical problems and going through something, and I think it helped her a lot that I listened to that part, what she was going through medically… And then, as our conversation moved on, we was on the phone way longer than what we should have been. If she needed me to listen, I was there for her. That’s the part of her building that trust together with one another, just for me to be there to listen to other things as well as her diabetes.” – PA5 | |
Opportunities for growth while being a PA | Subtheme 1: Opportunities to contribute regardless of professional training | “I would have to say establishing new relationships. It was nice, and you know, although I was an ambassador that was a nurse, I didn’t have to be a nurse, you know. So, it was definitely friendship.”- PA11 |
Subtheme 2: Opportunities to grow and adapt to the PA role | “And it not only helped me to give back, but it also helped me as well to be able to grow and to get better, as far as me doing the right thing.” – PA8 | |
Subtheme 3: Opportunities for self-awareness and self-reflection on diabetes journey | “And I learned a lot about myself, because people that don’t want to listen to me, then I typically don’t want to listen to them either. But I had to, in this case, because that’s what I was supposed to do.” – PA2 “One way of describing it as being a positive mentor to others who have diabetes. And as you teach them, you also learn, so it’s an interchange of encouragement. And that’s what I would tell them. And I like that doctors, dieticians, pharmacists come to our session, so that we’re learning first how to benefit ourselves and then how to benefit the peer buddy.” – PA3 | |
Experience the reward that comes with the commitment | “The experience of being a Peer Ambassador, it’s interesting. You are able to get close to people that are dealing with the same chronic disease that you are. I also think it’s a responsibility, you know. It’s kind of a commitment, and you feel responsible for your Peer Buddies. You get involved with them. So it’s very rewarding.” – PA6 | |