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

Abstract

Research across the cancer care continuum indicates peer support can improve patient outcomes, yet little is known about how cancer peer support programs are implemented in practice. 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 interviews, 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' advice 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.

Accompanying patients in clinical oncology teams: Reported activities and perceived effects

“…Like many studies on peer support interventions for cancer, 9,10,18–21 our study shows that the primary activity of APs is to listen to patients and validate their emotions to facilitate their acceptance process of the disease and increase their ability to fight cancer in a positive way. This is done by sharing their own lived experiential knowledge and tips they acquired throughout their own journey with illness.…”

“…For APs themselves, Brodar et al 19 mentioned that peer supporters could become emotionally charged following their encounters with patients as they can be reminded of their own experience with cancer. It was therefore suggested that there should be more support from clinical staff as well as from other peer supporters to create a sense of community which could comfort APs during difficult times and help them give meaning to their own experiences.…”

A qualitative study about colorectal cancer patients and spousal caregivers’ experience and needs during COVID-19: implications for self-efficacy intervention

“… 36 This situation reflected the fact that support from peers rather than relatives was more acceptable to patients. 37 , 38 Peer support seems to work more easily for patients who do not interact directly with their healthcare providers, as they lack confidence in understanding the instructions of their healthcare providers. Therefore, it seems possible to set patients as the primary recipients of peer support in our previous preliminary SE programme.…”

A qualitative study of the experience of returning to family life and the coping styles of patients after total laryngectomy

“…In addition, a WeChat group for total laryngectomy patients may be established to learn and help deal with problems encountered at home, creating a sense of belonging and reducing anxiety caused by the insufficient routine follow-up care offered by healthcare professionals. Peer support can also improve patient prognoses (27). Asking patients with the same surgical experiences to present themselves in the preoperative or early postoperative period allows patients to see themselves in the future and increase their confidence in overcoming the disease.…”