NCT07199387

PeerOnCall: Implementing and Evaluating App-Based Peer Support in Canadian Fire Services

PeerOnCall: A Cluster Randomized Trial of a Peer Support Mobile Health Platform in Canadian Fire Service Organizations

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 2,000 (estimated)
• Sponsor: McMaster University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 70 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to test how best to implement a mobile peer support app called PeerOnCall in Canadian fire services. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Do firefighters use the app more with a structured implementation compared to standard implementation? 2. Does using the app improve mental health and workplace outcomes? Researchers will compare a standard implementation approach with basic onboarding to more structured implementation with weekly reminders, new content, and feedback reports to see if these features encourage more consistent app use. Participants will: 1. Use the PeerOnCall app to access private peer support and wellness resources. 2. Participate in surveys, interviews, and focus groups about their app experience and workplace environment.

Conditions

• Firefighters

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	App Users (Structured Implementation)	The structured implementation (intervention) group will follow a structured protocol designed to promote weekly app engagement. This includes regular updates to customized content, reminders to use the app, and feedback on use. Weekly content updates and push notifications will be provided through the app, and the research team will communicate monthly with organizational champions with feedback reports on app utilization to reinforce engagement.
OTHER	App Users (Standard Implementation)	The standard implementation (control) group will receive baseline support, allowing firefighters to use the app as they choose. The research team will provide an initial orientation for organizations and peer supporters, but the organizational champion will be responsible for communication and follow-up. The research team will respond to questions and prompt data collection.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-10-01
• Primary completion: 2027-04-01
• Completion: 2027-10-01
• First posted: 2025-09-30
• Last updated: 2025-10-03

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Canada