| Summary: | Chronic diseases are a significant and growing challenge in Canada. In the province of Ontario, for example, 33% of people were living with at least one chronic disease in 2005. Diabetes, heart disease and HIV/AIDS are three of the most common health chronic conditions in Canada for which education, coaching, and other interventions such as peer support may help patients to gain the confidence, knowledge, skills, and motivation to manage their disease. Peer support is defined as support from persons who have the same health condition than the people they assist and experience the same challenges of living with the same chronic condition. There are several models of peer support, ranging from professionally-led peer support groups to peer-led support groups, from face-to-face meetings to telephone-based, internet-based and email-based peer support. This Rapid Response report aims to review the clinical- and cost-effectiveness of peer support compared to usual care without peer support for chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and HIV/AIDS. Guidelines associated with the use of peer support in the management of these chronic conditions will also be examined
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