2022 Collaborative Patient-Centered Research Update: Peer-Pal Intervention (PPI)
- Nov 9, 2025
- 2 min read
April 30, 2025
Dr. Tze-Woei Tan and Dr. Emily Rosario, were awarded the 2022 Collaborative Patient-Centered Research (CPCR) grant for their project, Implementing Peer-Pal Intervention (PPI) in Low-income Patients with Ischemic Diabetic Foot Ulceration (DFU), by the Foundation to Advance Vascular Cures.
The Peer-Pal Support Intervention (PPI) program introduces an equity-focused peer-driven care model to diabetic foot ulceration (DFU), designed to improve health outcomes for low-income patients at high risk of diabetes-related amputations. DFUs disproportionately affect minority and economically disadvantaged populations, often leading to serious complications due to barriers in accessing proper wound care. To address these challenges, the PPI program introduces a patient-centered, culturally tailored intervention that connects newly diagnosed patients with Peer-Pals—individuals who have successfully managed DFUs themselves. These mentors provide emotional support, treatment adherence guidance, and assistance in navigating the healthcare system.
Since its launch in July 2023, the program has reached several key milestones. The program successfully trained five Peer-Pals, equipping them with the knowledge to mentor newly diagnosed DFU patients. Additionally, the study has enrolled 18 individuals from Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare, Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center, and the University of Southern California. A Community Advisory Board (CAB) was established, bringing together a diverse 12-member panel that includes patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and industry representatives. Meanwhile, ongoing data collection and analysis is providing critical insights into how peer support influences self-care confidence, healthcare navigation, and quality of life for patients.
Early results show that participants report increased confidence in managing their condition, improved treatment adherence, and overall better quality of life. The project’s findings were recently presented at the 20th Annual Academic Surgical Congress in February 2025. Encouraged by these outcomes, the team now aims to start a larger clinical trial to further validate the impact of the Peer-Pal model. By integrating peer mentorship into diabetic foot care, this initiative has the potential to reduce amputation rates and transform long-term patient outcomes. The Foundation to Advance Vascular Cures remains committed to supporting projects like these that advance patient-centered solutions and support for vascular health.
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To learn more about Vascular Cures’ Patients as Partners Program, please visit: https://vascularcures.org/patients-as-partners/
Inspiring update on the Peer-Pal model — pairing trained mentors with newly diagnosed DFU patients is exactly the kind of patient-centered care that builds confidence and adherence. On a lighter note, after reading serious research like this, I sometimes unwind by creating memes with Neegy, which always makes me smile.
It’s great to see the CPCR grant going to something as equity-focused as the Peer-Pal Intervention—DFUs hit low-income and minority patients so hard, and a culturally tailored peer model makes so much sense. I’d love to hear how the peer pals are trained and matched. By the way, I keep a free in-stock availability finder I like to share: https://stock-finder.net/
In level devil, you will take control of your character running, jumping, and dodging lots of unexpected traps and obstacles. The goal is to reach the exit door safely and level up.
informative and impressive, great. --glow up
Reading about how the Peer-Pal program is rebuilding patient confidence through consistent, structured support really resonates. Confidence in any high-stakes process tends to grow when there is a clear framework for practice and feedback — the same idea behind a free SAT score predictor, which helps students see where they stand and what to work on next. Wishing the PPI team great success with the larger clinical trial.