The development of novel interventions to assist the leaders of cancer support groups

Rachel D. Zordan, Phyllis N. Butow*, Laura Kirsten, Ilona Juraskova, Amanda O'Reilly, John Friedsam, Nataly Bovopolous, Paul Heinrich, Margaret Charles, Kim Hobbs, David Kissane

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Purpose The literature on cancer support groups supports the provision of ongoing education and training for cancer support group leaders, with evidence suggesting that more skilled and experienced leaders create better outcomes for group members. To address support and training needs reported by leaders, three novel interventions were developed and pilot-tested. These included a leaders' website and discussion forum, DVD and manual, and a 2-day training workshop.

Methods The interventions were developed using a combination of literature review, expert consensus, and consumer feedback. A convenience sample of ten leaders pilot-tested the Website and discussion forum. Using a mixed-method approach, evaluation of the workshop and the DVD and manual was conducted with 35 leaders.

Results Overall, satisfaction with all aspects of the Website and discussion forum was high. Analysis of the quantitative data revealed extremely high satisfaction with the workshop and DVD and manual. The qualitative responses of workshop participants further supported the quantitative findings with enhanced knowledge, understanding, and confidence reported by leaders.

Conclusions All three interventions exhibited a high degree of user acceptance, regardless of the skill or experience of the cancer support group leader. The overall positive findings from the evaluation of the leader Website and discussion forum, the DVD and manual, and the workshop for cancer support group leaders provides evidence to support more rigorous evaluation of these resources in a randomized controlled trial.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)445-454
Number of pages10
JournalSupportive Care in Cancer
Volume20
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Training
  • Leaders
  • Cancer
  • Support groups
  • PSYCHOSOCIAL INTERVENTIONS
  • PEER
  • DIFFICULTIES
  • EXPERIENCES
  • PROGRAMS
  • NEEDS
  • LIFE

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