Family caregiver ambassador support for caregivers of patients with newly diagnosed hematological cancer: a feasibility study

Abstract

Purpose This study investigated the feasibility of a one-on-one peer support intervention in family caregivers of newly diagnosed patients with a hematological cancer during initial treatment. Methods The study was a one-arm feasibility study including family caregivers of newly diagnosed patients with hematological cancer ( n = 26) and caregiver ambassadors who were family caregivers of previously treated patients as peer supporters ( n = 17). The one-on-one peer support intervention consisted of three components: a caregiver ambassador preparatory course; 12 weeks of one-on-one peer support, and caregiver ambassador network meetings. Results Family caregivers reported high satisfaction with the delivery and flexibility of one-on-one peer support and improved in most psychosocial outcomes over time. Telephone and text messages were the most used form of contact between the peers. Caregiver ambassadors reported high satisfaction with the preparatory course and used the available support from the network meetings. No adverse events were reported. Conclusion One-on-one peer support provided by a caregiver ambassador is feasible and safe in family caregivers of newly diagnosed hematological cancer patients during their initial treatment. Utilizing volunteer caregiver ambassadors has the potential to be a new support model in family caregivers of hematological cancer patients across diagnostic groups within a clinical setting. Clinical trial registration number NCT04039100, July 29, 2019.

Experiences and preferences for psychosocial support: a qualitative study exploring the views of patients with chronic haematological cancers

“…The loneliness and confusion experienced by some family members in our study suggests that peer support would be useful. A recent feasibility study found one-to-one peer support was acceptable and beneficial for caregivers of those with newly diagnosed haematological cancers, 57 with similar findings for groupbased support. 58 This study has allowed us to capture a breadth of experiences and changing attitudes by interviewing patients at varying intervals post diagnosis, and with different treatment pathways.…”

“…The loneliness and confusion experienced by some family members in our study suggests that peer support would be useful. A recent feasibility study found one-to-one peer support was acceptable and beneficial for caregivers of those with newly diagnosed haematological cancers,57 with similar findings for group-based support 58…”