Support groups for cancer patients

Abstract

Within the last two decades psychosocial group interventions have been developed to help cancer patients cope better with the psychosocial sequelae of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Support groups include a variety of different approaches some of which focus on behavioral aspects and symptoms (e.g. pain, fatigue) and some on the expression of emotions. Most of these support programs are structured and short-term and include elements such as delivery of information, emotional and social support, stress management strategies based on the cognitive behavioral approach and the teaching of relaxation techniques. Beyond individual therapy, group therapies can address cancer-related issues to enable patients to gain emotional support from other patients with similar experiences and to use these experiences to buffer the fear of dying and the unknown future. One of the overall therapeutic targets is the promotion of the patient's individual resources. Therefore, such groups are helpful not only for the patients, but also for their spouses and other family members, in relieving the cancer-related distress. In Germany, support groups are established in rehabilitation clinics as well as outpatient programs and play an important role in palliative and supportive care of cancer patients. Against the background of changes in the patients' role, the increasing availability of information technology (e.g. the internet) and patient advocacy in cancer treatment, support groups may be understood as a mean of empowerment of the patient. The need for group interventions such as outpatient programs for cancer patients is claimed not only by the health professionals but also by the patients themselves. There is some research emphasizing that avoidance of feelings, denial of concerns, feelings of helplessness and social isolation are correlated with poorer health outcome and poorer quality of life. Many empirical studies have provided evidence-based knowledge that structured group interventions for cancer patients improve psychological wellbeing, reduce anxiety and depression, and improve quality of life, coping and mental adjustment. Positive effects on survival have even been reported, but these effects have not yet been proven.

An exploration of chronic pain patients’ perceptions of home telerehabilitation services

“…This finding fits with previous studies on the importance of support groups. [30][31][32] In addition, most patients made use of the group to motivate themselves to work harder and to adhere to their exercise regimen. This is explained by the social comparison theory of Festinger.…”

Are online support groups always beneficial? A qualitative exploration of the empowering and disempowering processes of participation within HIV/AIDS-related online support groups

“…Many members appeared to value the experiential knowledge gained whilst online and acknowledged that online support groups provided them with unique access to many first-person perspectives and experiences about the disease which would otherwise not be available in their face to face world. Indeed, many studies have documented that people living with chronic diseases often exchange their personal experiences and considered other members' lived experiences more vivid than facts (Weis, 2003;Ziebland & Herxheimer, 2008). For persons living with HIV/AIDS, the positive experiences described by other members may help them confront their own fears associated with the disease.…”

Exploring health navigating design: momentary contentment in a cancer context

“…There is a need for a supportive psychosocial context. Support groups, for example, increase patient empowerment and lead to greater participation, increased search for knowledge about the disease and generally improve the patients’ abilities to navigate their disease (Weis, 2003). …”