Identification and Characterization of Peer Support for Cancer Prevention and Care: A Practice Review

This study aimed to describe cancer peer support programs in “real world” (i.e., non-research) settings. A web search identified 100 programs in a wide variety of settings and locations; 48 published contact information on their website and were invited to participate in semi-structured interviews. Twenty-nine program leaders participated. From the interv iews, we observed eight primary themes, which centered on challenges and responses regarding training and content of peer support services as well as program organization and support. Obstacles include inconsistent funding, reliance on volunteers, and physician concerns about peer supporters’ advi ce to patients, while increasing diversity, reach, and accessibility are future priorities. Peer support should be recognized and funded as a routine part of cancer care in order to expand its reach and address priorities such as increasing the diversity of supporters and those they help.
Source: Journal of Cancer Education - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research